Directional migration of mesenchymal stem cells under an SDF-1α gradient on a microfluidic device

Siwan Park, Hwanseok Jang, Byung Soo Kim, Changmo Hwang, Gi Seok Jeong, Yongdoo Park

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Homing of peripheral stem cells is regulated by one of the most representative homing factors, stromal cell-derived factor 1 alpha (SDF-1α), which specifically binds to the plasma membrane receptor CXCR4 of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in order to initiate the signaling pathways that lead to directional migration and homing of stem cells. This complex homing process and directional migration of stem cells have been mimicked on a microfluidic device that is capable of generating a chemokine gradient within the collagen matrix and embedding endothelial cell (EC) monolayers to mimic blood vessels. On the microfluidic device, stem cells showed directional migration toward the higher concentration of SDF-1α, whereas treatment with the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 caused loss of directionality of stem cells. Furthermore, inhibition of stem cell’s main migratory signaling pathways, Rho-ROCK and Rac pathways, caused blockage of actomyosin and lamellipodia formation, decreasing the migration distance but maintaining directionality. Stem cell homing regulated by SDF-1α caused directional migration of stem cells, while the migratory ability was affected by the activation of migration-related signaling pathways.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere0184595
JournalPloS one
Volume12
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017 Sept

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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