Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2026
09:05
In Vitro Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Functional Cardiomyocyte-like Cells
Published on: August 9, 2017
10.9K
Cellular Alignment and Matrix Stiffening Induced Changes in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived
Andrew House1, Anjeli Santillan2, Evan Correa3
1Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University Heights, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA.
Advanced Healthcare Materials
|October 29, 2024
Summary
This study introduces a dynamic biomaterial platform that mimics tissue stiffening. It reveals that healthy matrix stiffness enhances human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte function, while fibrotic stiffening impairs it.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Stem Cell Biology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Biological processes require dynamic biomaterials for studying tissue development and disease.
- Current in vitro platforms are mostly static, limiting research accuracy.
- Spatiotemporal control over cellular organization and matrix stiffness is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a dynamic biomaterial platform with controlled stiffening and surface patterns.
- To investigate the impact of dynamic matrix stiffening on human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hIPSC-CMs).
- To understand the role of matrix stiffness in hIPSC-CM maturation and function.
Main Methods:
- A stepwise approach using light-mediated crosslinking to create a stiffening hydrogel.
- Integration with an elastomeric substrate featuring strain-responsive surface patterns.
- Culturing hIPSC-CMs on the platform to simulate dynamic stiffening from healthy to fibrotic stiffness.
Main Results:
- Culturing hIPSC-CMs on healthy stiffness significantly enhanced their function, including sarcomere organization and beating frequency.
- Dynamic matrix stiffening negatively impacted hIPSC-CM function.
- Earlier stiffening events showed a more pronounced hindering effect on cell function.
Conclusions:
- Dynamic biomaterial platforms are essential for accurate in vitro modeling of dynamic biological processes.
- Physiologically relevant matrix stiffness is critical for hIPSC-CM maturation and function.
- Findings offer insights for improving hIPSC-CM maturation and developing tissue models for regeneration.
Keywords:
cardiac tissue modelsfibrosishydrogelsmethacrylated alginatephotopolymerizationwrinkling patternsMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
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...
01:28Forced Transdifferentiation
Transdifferentiation, also known as lineage reprogramming, was first discovered by Selman and Kafatos in 1974 in silkmoths. They observed that the moths’ cuticle-producing cells transformed into salt-producing cells. Many such cases of natural transdifferentiation occur in organisms. In humans, pancreatic alpha cells can become beta cells. In newts, the loss of the eye’s lens causes the pigmented epithelial cells to transdifferentiate into the lens cells.
Artificial transdifferentiation occurs...
Artificial transdifferentiation occurs...
01:13Structure of Cardiac Muscles
Cardiac muscle, or myocardium, is a specialized type of muscle found exclusively in the heart. Its unique structural and functional characteristics enable the heart to perform its vital role of pumping blood throughout the body continuously and rhythmically. The cardiac muscle cells, or cardiomyocytes, possess an endomysium and perimysium but do not have an epimysium.
Compared to skeletal muscles, cardiac muscle cells are small and mostly have a single nucleus. Additionally, they are usually...
Compared to skeletal muscles, cardiac muscle cells are small and mostly have a single nucleus. Additionally, they are usually...