Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) provided a cell source for biotechnological and clinical applications. Yet, there is limited understanding of how mechanical signals in the microenvironment of hESCs regulate their fate decisions. Here, we applied a microfabricated micromechanical platform to investigate mechanoresponsive behaviors of hESCs. We demonstrated that hESCs are mechanosensitive, and they could increase their cytoskeleton contractility with matrix rigidity. Furthermore, rigid substrates supported maintenance of pluripotency of hESCs. Matrix mechanics-mediated cytoskeleton contractility of hESCs might be functionally correlated with E-cadherin expressions in cell-cell contacts and thus involved in fate decisions of hESCs. Our results provided a novel approach to characterize and understand mechanotransduction in hESC function regulation.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Miniaturized Systems for Chemistry and Life Sciences, MicroTAS 2012 |
| Publisher | Chemical and Biological Microsystems Society |
| Pages | 1714-1716 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780979806452 |
| Publication status | Published - 2012 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | 16th International Conference on Miniaturized Systems for Chemistry and Life Sciences, MicroTAS 2012 - Okinawa, Japan Duration: 28 Oct 2012 → 1 Nov 2012 |
Conference
| Conference | 16th International Conference on Miniaturized Systems for Chemistry and Life Sciences, MicroTAS 2012 |
|---|---|
| Place | Japan |
| City | Okinawa |
| Period | 28/10/12 → 1/11/12 |
Research Keywords
- Cell mechanics
- Human embryonic stem cells
- Mechanotransduction
- Microfabrication
- Pluripotency
