Physical cues have the potential to guide stem cell fate by coupling a mechanical stimulus to biochemical signaling. We have postulated that mechanical stimulation could provide a control method for cell therapy applications. This study investigates the use of functionalized magnetic nanoparticles to promote hBMSC differentiation towards a smooth muscle cell lineage by direct mechanical stimulation of platelet-derived growth factor receptor α and β (PDGFRα and β) via exposure to time-varying magnetic fields. Cyclical magneto-mechanical stimulation of PDGFR α over a 3h period results in up-regulation of smooth muscle α-actin expression in both protein and mRNA level. PDGFRα phosphorylation is detected in response to stimulation and the mRNA up-regulation is abrogated by pretreatment of cells with a receptor inhibitor, AG1296 or the neutralization antibody. Our results demonstrate proof of concept for remote controlled, locally-delivered mechanically induced differentiation of hBMSCs which could have applications in regenerative medicine.
From the clinical editor: Using a cyclical magneto-mechanical stimulator, this team of investigators demonstrated successful differentiation induction of human bone marrow-derived stem cells toward smooth muscle protein expression, with potential future applications in regenerative medicine.
Keywords: Biomechanics; Differentiation; Magnetic nanoparticle; Mesenchymal stem cell; Platelet-derived growth factor receptor; Smooth muscle α actin.
© 2013.