ECM proteins in a microporous scaffold influence hepatocyte morphology, function, and gene expression
Yan Wang1,2, Myung Hee Kim1,2, Hitomi Shirahama1,2
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore.
Scientific Reports
|November 30, 2016
Summary
Different extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, collagen and fibronectin, distinctly regulate liver cell function and gene expression in 3D scaffolds, impacting cell aggregation and phenotype maintenance.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cell Biology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Three-dimensional (3D) culture environments and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins support hepatocyte viability and liver-specific phenotypes in vitro.
- The specific roles of individual ECM components like collagen and fibronectin in 3D scaffolds remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differential effects of collagen and fibronectin on liver cells (Huh-7.5) within 3D inverted colloidal crystal (ICC) scaffolds.
- To compare the influence of these ECM proteins on cell proliferation, morphology, hepatic functions, and gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of ECM-functionalized ICC microporous scaffolds.
- Culture of Huh-7.5 cells on bare, collagen-functionalized, and fibronectin-functionalized ICC scaffolds.
- Assessment of cell proliferation, morphology, albumin production, liver-specific gene expression, and cell adhesion gene expression.
Main Results:
- Both collagen and fibronectin enhanced albumin production and liver-specific gene expression compared to bare scaffolds.
- Cells cultured on fibronectin scaffolds showed different aggregation patterns than those on collagen scaffolds.
- Distinct mRNA expression levels of cell adhesion genes correlated with observed aggregation differences.
Conclusions:
- Specific ECM proteins, namely fibronectin and collagen, exert distinct regulatory roles on liver cell phenotype in 3D culture environments.
- ECM composition influences cell behavior and gene expression within 3D scaffolds, highlighting the importance of tailored biomaterial functionalization.
- These findings contribute to understanding 3D cell culture and designing advanced biomaterials for liver tissue engineering.
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