Spatial control of cell fate using synthetic surfaces to potentiate TGF-beta signaling.

ABSTRACT: In organisms, cell-fate decisions result from external cues presented by the extracellular microenvironment or the niche. In principle, synthetic niches can be engineered to give rise to patterned cell signaling, an advance that would transform the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Biomaterials that display adhesive motifs are critical steps in this direction, but promoting localized signaling remains a major obstacle. We sought to exert precise spatial control over activation of TGF-β signaling. TGF-β signaling, which plays fundamental roles in development, tissue homeostasis, and cancer, is initiated by receptor oligomerization. We therefore hypothesized that preorganizing the transmembrane receptors would potentiate local TGF-β signaling. To generate surfaces that

SUBMITTER: Li L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3141980 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature