Stem cell microenvironments present complex repertoires of signals to regulate the processes self-renewal and differentiation.  There has been considerable progress in studying soluble signals that regulate stem cell function, but comparatively less work has focused on investigating the �solid phase� of the microenvironment, in large part due to experimental complexities in manipulating a complex mixture of proteins known at the extracelluar matrix (ECM) and other components.  We have used modular, bioactive materials to investigate the role of matrix modulus or stiffness on stem cell function, nanoscale organization of biochemical cues on neural stem and human embryonic stem cell function, and the combinatorial presentation of ECM ligands on cell behavior.  Biomimetic materials can thus be employed to study mechanisms by which the solid phase of a stem cell microenvironment regulates cell function, as well as offer reproducible and scaleable systems to control stem cells for biomedical application.

Molecular engineering of synthetic stem cell niches

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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