title: Modular peptides promote human mesenchymal stem cell differentiation on biomaterial surfaces.
abstract: Molecular design strategies in biomedical applications often involve creating modular "fusion" proteins, in which distinct domains within a single molecule can perform multiple functions. We have synthesized a new class of modular peptides that include a biologically active sequence derived from the growth factor BMP-2 and a series of hydroxyapatite-binding sequences inspired by the N-terminal alpha-helix of osteocalcin. These modular peptides can bind in a sequence-dependent manner to the surface of "bone-like" hydroxyapatite coatings, which are nucleated and grown on a biodegradable polymer surface via a biomimetic process. The BMP-2-derived sequence of the modular peptides is biologically active, as measured by its ability to promote osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells. Our study indicates that the modular peptides described here are multifunctional, and the characteristics of this approach suggest that it can potentially be applied to a range of biomaterials for regenerative medicine applications.
authors: Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
authors: Jae Sam
authors: JS
authors: Lee
authors: Jae Sung
authors: JS
authors: Lee
authors: William L
authors: WL
authors: Murphy
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D032701:Biomimetics; D055396:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D001861:Bone Regeneration; D017886:Durapatite / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D015675:Osteocalcin / Q000737:chemistry; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry*; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D017433:Protein Structure, Secondary; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D055396:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2; D010455:Peptides; D011108:Polymers; D015675:Osteocalcin; D017886:Durapatite