Bio‐inspired Micropatterned Platform to Steer Stem Cell Differentiation

Abstract

Controlled stem cell differentiation on micropatterned biodegradable substrates involves modulation of the canonical FAK–ERK (focal adhesion kinase–extracellular-signal regulated kinase) signaling pathway in the absence of exogenous soluble factors. The use of a micropatterned platform to coerce human mesenchymal stem cells to adopt an elongated morphology bypasses the need to use pharmacological factors to repress FAK–ERK signaling activity to bring about substantial myogenesis.