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Three-Dimensional Cell Culture of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in a Hydrogel with Photobiomodulation Augmentation
Published on: April 5, 2024
Enhanced tissue production through redox control in stem cell-laden hydrogels
Branden Reid1, Junaid M Afzal, Annemarie M McCartney
1Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Tissue Engineering. Part A
|May 1, 2013
Summary
Cellular metabolism influences tissue engineering. Researchers found that modulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) with L-carnitine enhanced osteogenic differentiation in human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs).
Area of Science:
- Cellular bioenergetics and redox biology
- Stem cell biology and tissue engineering
Background:
- Cellular metabolism, including glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (Ox-Phos), is crucial for cell proliferation and differentiation.
- Human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) are key for tissue regeneration, but their metabolic states during differentiation require further understanding.
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels are linked to cellular differentiation and can be influenced by the microenvironment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the metabolic characteristics of hASCs during proliferation and differentiation in various conditions.
- To explore the role of adhesion-dependent signaling and biomaterial scaffolds in regulating hASC metabolism and ROS production.
- To determine if L-carnitine can modulate ROS levels and enhance osteogenic differentiation in hASCs within RGD-functionalized hydrogels.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of glycolysis and Ox-Phos in hASCs during proliferation and differentiation.
- Encapsulation of hASCs in poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels functionalized with RGD or GRD peptides.
- Measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and mitochondrial membrane potential.
- Treatment of hASCs in RGD-hydrogels with L-carnitine to assess its effects on ROS and osteogenesis.
Main Results:
- hASCs in monolayer exhibited higher glycolysis and lower Ox-Phos, consistent with the Warburg effect.
- Osteogenic differentiation led to decreased ROS levels, while adipogenic differentiation increased ROS.
- hASCs in RGD-functionalized PEG hydrogels showed reduced ROS, higher mitochondrial membrane potential, and improved viability compared to GRD-hydrogels.
- L-carnitine treatment in RGD-hydrogels further reduced ROS, increased osteogenic differentiation, and enhanced tissue production without affecting mitochondrial membrane potential.
Conclusions:
- Adhesion-dependent signaling in biomaterial scaffolds significantly impacts hASC bioenergetics and ROS production.
- Modulating cellular redox state, specifically by reducing ROS with L-carnitine, can promote osteogenic differentiation.
- Targeting cellular metabolism offers a promising strategy for enhancing tissue production in regenerative medicine applications.
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