title: Engineering nanoscale stem cell niche: direct stem cell behavior at cell-matrix interface.
abstract: Biophysical cues on the extracellular matrix (ECM) have proven to be significant regulators of stem cell behavior and evolution. Understanding the interplay of these cells and their extracellular microenvironment is critical to future tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, both of which require a means of controlled differentiation. Research suggests that nanotopography, which mimics the local, nanoscale, topographic cues within the stem cell niche, could be a way to achieve large-scale proliferation and control of stem cells in vitro. This Progress Report reviews the history and contemporary advancements of this technology, and pays special attention to nanotopographic fabrication methods and the effect of different nanoscale patterns on stem cell response. Finally, it outlines potential intracellular mechanisms behind this response.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA.
authors.forename: Yan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gordon
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA.
authors.forename: Weiyi
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Qian
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA.
authors.forename: Weiqiang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D017209:Apoptosis; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D043942:Nanotubes / Q000737:chemistry; D044968:Regenerative Medicine; D055153:Stem Cell Niche; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D023822:Tissue Engineering
keywords: biomaterials; mechanotransduction; nanotopography; regenerative medicine; stem cell