Reverse engineering life: physical and chemical mimetics for controlled stem cell differentiation into cardiomyocytes

Methods Mol Biol. 2013:1001:99-114. doi: 10.1007/978-1-62703-363-3_9.

Abstract

Our ability to manipulate stem cells in order to induce differentiation along a desired developmental pathway has improved immeasurably in recent years. That is in part because we have a better understanding of the intracellular and extracellular signals that regulate differentiation. However, there has also been a realization that stem cell differentiation is not regulated only by chemical signals but also by the physical milieu in which a particular stem cell exists. In this regard we are challenged to mimic both chemical and physical environments. Herein we describe a method to induce stem cell differentiation into cardiomyocytes using a combination of chemical and physical cues. This method can be applied to produce differentiated cells for research and potentially for cell-based therapy of cardiomyopathies.

MeSH terms

  • Biomimetics / methods*
  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 / metabolism
  • Cardiomyopathies / therapy*
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology*
  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Humans
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / cytology*
  • Regenerative Medicine / methods*
  • Tissue Engineering / methods*

Substances

  • BMP4 protein, human
  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4
  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes
  • baysilon