Engineered cell instructive matrices for fetal membrane healing

Acta Biomater. 2015 Mar:15:1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2014.12.011. Epub 2014 Dec 20.

Abstract

Iatrogenic preterm prelabour rupture of fetal membranes (iPPROM) occurs in 6-45% of the cases after fetoscopic procedures, posing a significant threat to fetal survival and well-being. The number of diagnostic and therapeutic prenatal interventions available is increasing, thus developing treatment options for iPPROM is becoming more important than ever before. Fetal membranes exhibit very restricted regeneration and little is known about factors which might modulate their healing potential, rendering various materials and strategies to seal or heal fetal membranes pursued over the past decades relatively fruitless. Additionally, biocompatible materials with tunable in vivo stability and mechanical and biological properties have not been available. Using poly(ethylene glycol)-based biomimetic matrices, we provide evidence that, upon presentation of appropriate biological cues in three dimensions, mesenchymal progenitor cells from the amnion can be mobilized, induced to proliferate and supported in maintaining their native extracellular matrix production, thus creating a suitable environment for healing to take place. These data suggest that engineering materials with defined mechanical and biochemical properties and the ability to present migration- and proliferation-inducing factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor or epidermal growth factor, could be key in resolving the clinical problem of iPPROM and allowing the field of fetal surgery to move forward.

Keywords: Fetal membrane; Growth factor; Healing; PEG; Synthetic matrix.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amnion / cytology
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Female
  • Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / pharmacology
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Tissue Engineering / methods*
  • Wound Healing* / drug effects

Substances

  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins