Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
11:19
Fabrication of Extracellular Matrix-derived Foams and Microcarriers as Tissue-specific Cell Culture and Delivery Platforms
Published on: April 11, 2017
Extracellular matrices decellularized from embryonic stem cells maintained their structure and signaling specificity.
Sébastien Sart1, Teng Ma, Yan Li
1Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University , Tallahassee, Florida.
Tissue Engineering. Part A
|July 16, 2013
Summary
Embryonic stem cell-derived extracellular matrices (ESCs-ECMs) can direct stem cell proliferation and differentiation. These novel biomaterials offer potential for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.
Area of Science:
- Stem Cell Biology
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are valuable for tissue engineering due to self-renewal and differentiation potential.
- ESCs secrete extracellular matrices (ECMs) crucial for regulating cell behavior and tissue development.
- ESC-derived ECMs exhibit broader signaling and potentially lower tumor risk than somatic ECMs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the capacity of ESC-derived ECMs to direct ESC proliferation and differentiation.
- To investigate the influence of ECMs from different ESC states (undifferentiated, aggregated, differentiated) on stem cell behavior.
Main Methods:
- Decellularization of ECMs from ESC monolayers, aggregates, and embryoid bodies at various developmental stages.
- Characterization of decellularized ECMs' effects on ESC proliferation and differentiation.
- Analysis of ECM interactions with cells and regulatory macromolecules like retinoic acid.
Main Results:
- ESC-derived ECMs significantly influenced ESC proliferation and differentiation.
- Direct cell-matrix interactions and modulation of signaling pathways (e.g., retinoic acid) were observed.
- ECMs derived from different ESC developmental stages exhibited distinct regulatory capacities.
Conclusions:
- ESC-derived ECMs possess inherent regulatory signals that can guide stem cell fate.
- These biomatrices hold promise for controlling cellular responses in vitro for regenerative medicine.
- ESC-ECM applications include directing lineage-specific differentiation and supporting cell delivery systems.
Related Concept Videos
01:42The Extracellular Matrix
Overview
01:29The Extracellular Matrix
Overview
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
01:26Extracellular Matrix
Unlike epithelial tissue, which is composed of cells closely packed with little or no extracellular space in between, connective tissue cells are dispersed in a matrix. This extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of fibrous proteins like collagen, elastin, and fibronectin in a ground substance consisting of interstitial fluid, cell adhesion proteins, and proteoglycans. The proteoglycans form a gel-like material in the spaces between cells and provide hydration, buffering, binding, and force...