Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in Stem Cell Culture: A Potential Target for Regulating Stem Cell Function

Stem cells (SCs) hold great potential for regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and cell therapy. The clinical applications of SCs require both high quality and quantity of transplantable cells. However, during conventional in vitro expansion, SCs tend to lose properties that make them amenable for cell therapies. Extracellular matrix (ECM) serves an essential regulatory part in the growth, differentiation, and homeostasis of all cells in vivo, and when signals are transmitted to cells, they do not respond passively. Many cell types can remodel pericellular matrix to meet their specific needs. This reciprocal cell-ECM interaction is crucial for the conservation of cell and tissue functions and homeostasis. In vitro ECM remodeling also plays a key role in regulating the lineage fate of SCs. A deeper understanding of in vitro ECM remodeling may provide new perspectives for the maintenance of SC function. In this review, we critically examined three ways that cells can be used to influence the pericellular matrix: (1) exerting tensile force on the ECM, (2) secreting a variety of ECM proteins, and (3) degrading the surrounding matrix, and its impact on SC lineage fate. Finally, we describe the deficiencies of current studies and what needs to be done next to further understand the role of ECM remodeling in ex vivo SC cultures. Impact statement The effect of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling on physiological activities and disease progression has been extensively studied, but its effect on in vitro stem cell (SC) culture has received insufficient attention. More and more research has shown that in vitro ECM remodeling is critical for maintaining SCs function. This review will highlight how cells remodel ECM and the significance of ECM remodeling in ex vivo SC culture, as well as summarize the shortcomings of current research and what needs to be done next to further our understanding of the role of ECM remodeling in ex vivo SC culture.