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Production of Elastin-like Protein Hydrogels for Encapsulation and Immunostaining of Cells in 3D
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Myoblast adhesion, proliferation and differentiation on human elastin-like polypeptide (HELP) hydrogels
Paola D'Andrea1, Deborah Civita1, Michela Cok1
1Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste - Italy.
Journal of Applied Biomaterials & Functional Materials
|October 30, 2016
Summary
Human elastin-like polypeptides (HELPs) show potential for skeletal muscle research. HELP hydrogels enhanced myoblast proliferation but partially inhibited differentiation, offering insights into myogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cell Biology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Extracellular matrix properties critically influence skeletal muscle cell behavior.
- Human elastin-like polypeptides (HELPs) mimic native matrix proteins and promote in vitro myogenesis.
- Investigating HELP hydrogels' impact on myoblasts is crucial due to matrix influence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of novel Human elastin-like polypeptides (HELPs) hydrogels on myoblast viability and functions.
- To explore the potential of genetically engineered polypeptides in myogenesis research.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized a novel polypeptide, HELPc, with elastin-like backbone and collagen IV sequence containing RGD motifs.
- Created HELPc hydrogels via enzymatic cross-linking with transglutaminase.
- Utilized C2C12 cells on non-cross-linked HELPc coatings and cross-linked HELPc hydrogels with varying densities.
Main Results:
- Substrate rigidity on HELPc influenced C2C12 cell morphology, spreading, focal adhesion, and cytoskeletal organization.
- HELPc hydrogels significantly enhanced C2C12 cell proliferation, especially in low-serum conditions.
- Myogenic differentiation was partially inhibited by HELPc hydrogels.
Conclusions:
- Results highlight the potential of engineered polypeptides like HELPc for studying myogenesis.
- HELPc hydrogels offer a tool for dissecting critical steps in skeletal muscle cell development.
