Directing hMSCs fate through geometrical cues and mimetics peptides

Abstract

The native microenvironment of mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs)-the extracellular matrix (ECM), is a complex and heterogenous environment structured at different scales. The present study aims at mimicking the hierarchical microorganization of proteins or growth factors within the ECM using the photolithography technique. Polyethylene terephthalate substrates were used as a model material to geometrically defined regions of RGD + BMP-2 or RDG + OGP mimetic peptides. These ECM-derived ligands are under research for regulation of mesenchymal stem cells osteogenic differentiation in a synergic manner. The hMSCs osteogenic differentiation was significantly affected by the spatial distribution of dually grafted peptides on surfaces, and hMSCs cells reacted differently according to the shape and size of peptide micropatterns. Our study demonstrates the presence of a strong interplay between peptide geometric cues and stem cell differentiation toward the osteoblastic lineage. These tethered surfaces provide valuable tools to investigate stem cell fate mechanisms regulated by multiple ECM cues, thereby contributing to the design of new biomaterials and improving hMSCs differentiation cues.