Gene expression profiling on 2D vs 3D iPSC colonies
In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of the local mechanical cell niche on mechano-responsive signaling activities and germ layer specification by engineering a unique 3D semispherical colony of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). To achieve this, we utilized a combination of an electrospun nanofibrous substrate and PDMS microwells. Specifically, we compared the gene expression profiles of iPSCs cultured on a plastic plate with those cultured on a PCL nanofibrous substrate  (19 kPa). Overall design: In this study, we conducted gene expression profiling of four replicates of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) cultured on a plastic plate, and compared them to four replicates of iPSCs cultured on a soft PCL nanofibrous substrate  (19 kPa). The aim was to examine the differential gene expression patterns between these two culture conditions and investigate the potential effects of substrate stiffness on iPSC behavior.