Stress-Stiffening-Mediated Stem-Cell Commitment Switch in Soft Responsive Hydrogels Researchers showed that the commitment and differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells encapsulated in physiologically soft, fully synthetic polyisocyanopeptide-based three-dimensional matrices that mimic the stiffness of adult stem cell niches and show biopolymer-like stress stiffening, can be readily switched from adipogenesis to osteogenesis by changing only the onset of stress stiffening. [Nat Mater] Abstract Nascent Integrin Adhesions Form on All Matrix Rigidities after Integrin Activation The authors report that ~100-nm clusters of ~50 β3-activated integrins form very early adhesions under a wide variety of conditions on RGD surfaces. These adhesions form similarly on fluid and rigid substrates, but most adhesions are transient on rigid substrates. [Dev Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract Preservation of Human Limbal Epithelial Progenitor Cells on Carbodiimide Cross-Linked Amniotic Membrane via Integrin-Linked Kinase-Mediated Wnt Activation Human limbal epithelial (HLE) cells were cultured on dishes (HLE/dish), denuded amniotic membrane (HLE/DAM) or EDC/NHS cross-linked DAM (CLDAM) (HLE/CLDAM). Compared with HLE/dish or HLE/DAM cultures, HLE/CLDAM cultures showed greater BrdU retention and colony formation efficiency and expressed higher levels of p63, ABCG2, integrin β1, and integrin-linked kinase. [Acta Biomater] Abstract Injectable and Thermosensitive Soluble Extracellular Matrix and Methylcellulose Hydrogels for Stem Cell Delivery in Skin Wounds Scientists report a thermosensitive hydrogel composed of soluble extracellular matrix (sECM) and methylcellulose (MC) for injectable stem cell delivery. The sECM was prepared by denaturing solid ECM extracted from human adipose tissue and then blended with a MC solution. [Biomacromolecules] Abstract iTRAQ Proteomic Analysis of Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in Aortic Valve Disease Researchers demonstrated a differential extracellular matrix (ECM) protein pattern in individuals with aortic stenosis (AS), therefore supporting previous evidence of a dynamic ECM remodeling in human aortic valves during AS development. [Sci Rep] Full Article A Composite Scaffold of MSC Affinity Peptide-Modified Demineralized Bone Matrix Particles and Chitosan Hydrogel for Cartilage Regeneration Scientists constructed a composite scaffold combining mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) E7 affinity peptide-modified demineralized bone matrix particles and chitosan hydrogel for cartilage engineering. This solid-supported composite scaffold exhibited appropriate porosity, which provided a 3D microenvironment that supports cell adhesion and proliferation. [Sci Rep] Full Article Chondrogenic Differentiation Could Be Induced by Autologous Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Matrix Scaffolds without Exogenous Growth Factor Researchers aimed to investigate whether autologous bone mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular matrix (aBMSC-dECM) scaffolds could promote chondrogenic differentiation without exogenous growth factors. BMSCs were seeded on aBMSC-dECM scaffolds and cultured in vitro with or without TGF-β3. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract Native Extracellular Matrix Preserves Mesenchymal Stem Cell “Stemness” and Differentiation Potential under Serum-Free Culture Conditions The authors compared colony-forming ability and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells cultured on extracellular matrix made by bone marrow cells with a commercially available matrix (CELLstart™) and tissue culture plastic under serum-free conditions. [Stem Cell Res Ther] Full Article |