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Engineering Skeletal Muscle Tissues from Murine Myoblast Progenitor Cells and Application of Electrical Stimulation
Published on: March 19, 2013
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Muscle tissue engineering and regeneration through epigenetic reprogramming and scaffold manipulation
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.
Scientific Reports
|November 10, 2015
Summary
This study shows that combining epigenetic modulators with specific matrix stiffness enhances adipose-derived stromal cell reprogramming for tissue engineering. This approach improves cellular plasticity and differentiation into myoblast-like cells.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Tissue Engineering
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Cell-based therapies are limited by aging and poor cellular control.
- Epigenetic regulation influences cell development, with modulators like 5-azacytidine (5-Aza-CR) used in 2-D cultures.
- Tissue lineage progression requires both genetic potential and microenvironment cues, which 2-D models cannot fully replicate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the combined effects of matrix rigidity and 5-azacytidine (5-Aza-CR) on reprogramming adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) into myoblast-like cells.
- To utilize tunable transglutaminase cross-linked gelatin (Col-Tgel) matrices for in vitro and in vivo studies.
Main Methods:
- ADSCs were cultured on Col-Tgel matrices with varying rigidities.
- Cells were treated with different doses of 5-Aza-CR.
- Cellular plasticity and trans-differentiation into myoblast-like cells were assessed.
Main Results:
- Optimal reprogramming occurred with 5-Aza-CR (1.25–12.5 ng) on a matrix with 15 ± 5 kPa rigidity (Col-Tgel).
- This combination significantly enhanced cellular plasticity and trans-differentiation of ADSCs.
- Both physical matrix properties and chemical treatments are crucial for regulating cellular responses.
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrates a synergistic effect of matrix rigidity and epigenetic modulation for enhanced cell reprogramming.
- This combined approach holds promise for improving cell-based tissue engineering and regenerative medicine strategies.
- Understanding the interplay between physical and chemical cues is vital for controlling cellular fate and function.
