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Updated: Jan 17, 2026
Recombinant Collagen I Peptide Microcarriers for Cell Expansion and Their Potential Use As Cell Delivery System in a Bioreactor Model
Published on: February 7, 2018
Multi-omics elucidation of recombinant collagen-mediated modulation of mesenchymal stem cell functions
Taishan Liu1, Juanli Dang2, Chenhui Zhu1
1Engineering Research Center of Western Resource Innovation Medicine Green Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Biomaterials and Synthetic Biology, Shaanxi R&D Center of Biomaterials and Fermentation Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China; Biotech. & Biomed. Research Institute, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China; Xi'an Innovative R&D Platform for New Biomedical Materials, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China.
Introduction:
Regenerative medicine leverages the potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and biomaterials to overcome the limitations of traditional organ transplantation. Collagen, a key extracellular matrix component, is widely used, yet its molecular interactions with MSCs remain insufficiently understood.
Objectives:
This study investigates how recombinant collagens modulate MSC behavior and paracrine functions to inform the development of bioactive scaffolds for tissue regeneration.
Methods:
Recombinant type I and III collagens were biosynthesized using Pichia pastoris. Multi-omics analyses, including transcriptomics and proteomics, were conducted to evaluate the effects of these collagens on MSC gene expression, secretory profiles, and functional impacts on fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and macrophages.
Results:
Recombinant collagens regulated key MSC pathways related to angiogenesis, wound healing, adhesion, cytoskeletal organization, and osteogenesis. Proteomic data further revealed enhanced secretion of cytokines and growth factors that influenced the behavior of surrounding stromal and immune cells.
Conclusion:
Recombinant collagen, as a bioactive material, can remodel the functions of mesenchymal stem cells. Specifically, recombinant type I collagen primarily activates the FAK/RHOA/ROCK signaling pathway, while recombinant type III collagen activates the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway; in contrast, bovine-derived type I collagen mainly regulates glycolysis. These findings further support the potential of recombinant collagen in constructing regenerative medicine scaffolds with intelligent regulatory functions.
