Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Growth factors
Cell-matrix
Adhesion
Autocrine
Cell-cell
Adhesion
Paracrine
Other growth
factors
Receptors
Stem cell
Nucleus
Niche cell
ECM
Figure 3.1
The interaction between stem cell and its niche through autocrine and paracrine growth
factors, ECM molecules, and direct cell contact with the ECM and another cell.
(See insert for color
representation of the figure.)
Myocardium
Brain
Saphenous vein
Arterial wall
Bone
Muscle
Cirrhotic liver
Liver
Articular cartilage
Tendon/ligament
Skin
100 pa
1 kPa
10 kPa
100 kPa
1 MPa
10 MPa
100 MPa
1 GPa
10 GPa
100 GPa
Figure 3.2
Ranges of various tissue stiffnesses, as adapted from Nemir
et al.,
Jawad
et al.
, Taylor
et al
., and Collinsworth
et al.
[59-62].
are found in, which should be taken into account when engineering ECM intended for use with
stem cells [12]. Biomimetic designs of ECM that are robust and consistently reproducible could
have a profound impact on the therapeutic potential for use of stem cells.
In this chapter we will discuss the key components of the ECM that stem cells are exposed to
in vivo
, including the chemical, topographical, and mechanical properties of a variety of tissues.
We will also detail what research has been done to identify how stem cells behave in response to
each of these components. Finally, we will offer perspectives into how the components of the
ECM can be utilized to control stem-cell fate and function for research purposes.
