Brian J O'Grady1, Ethan S Lippmann1,2,3,4. 1. Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA. 2. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA. 3. Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA. 4. Interdisciplinary Materials Science Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Stem cells are exquisitely sensitive to biophysical and biochemical cues within the native microenvironment. This review focuses on emerging strategies to manipulate neural cell behavior using these influences in three-dimensional (3D) culture systems. RECENT FINDINGS: Traditional systems for neural cell differentiation typically produce heterogeneous populations with limited diversity rather than the complex, organized tissue structures observed in vivo. Advancements in developing engineering tools to direct neural cell fates can enable new applications in basic research, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine. SUMMARY: This review article highlights engineering strategies that facilitate controlled presentation of biophysical and biochemical cues to guide differentiation and impart desired phenotypes on neural cell populations. Specific highlighted examples include engineered biomaterials and microfluidic platforms for spatiotemporal control over the presentation of morphogen gradients.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Stem cells are exquisitely sensitive to biophysical and biochemical cues within the native microenvironment. This review focuses on emerging strategies to manipulate neural cell behavior using these influences in three-dimensional (3D) culture systems. RECENT FINDINGS: Traditional systems for neural cell differentiation typically produce heterogeneous populations with limited diversity rather than the complex, organized tissue structures observed in vivo. Advancements in developing engineering tools to direct neural cell fates can enable new applications in basic research, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine. SUMMARY: This review article highlights engineering strategies that facilitate controlled presentation of biophysical and biochemical cues to guide differentiation and impart desired phenotypes on neural cell populations. Specific highlighted examples include engineered biomaterials and microfluidic platforms for spatiotemporal control over the presentation of morphogen gradients.
Authors: Sebastien G M Uzel; Ovid C Amadi; Taylor M Pearl; Richard T Lee; Peter T C So; Roger D Kamm Journal: Small Date: 2015-11-30 Impact factor: 13.281
Authors: Ethan S Lippmann; Clay E Williams; David A Ruhl; Maria C Estevez-Silva; Edwin R Chapman; Joshua J Coon; Randolph S Ashton Journal: Stem Cell Reports Date: 2015-04-02 Impact factor: 7.765
Authors: Mary C Regier; Jacob J Tokar; Jay W Warrick; Lil Pabon; Erwin Berthier; David J Beebe; Kelly R Stevens Journal: Sci Rep Date: 2019-04-23 Impact factor: 4.379