Year of publication:
2006
Journal name:
Cell
Matrix Elasticity Directs Stem Cell Lineage Specification
http://www.cell.com –
Microenvironments appear important in stem cell lineage specification but can be difficult to adequately characterize or control with soft tissues. Naive mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are shown here to specify lineage and commit to phenotypes with extreme sensitivity to tissue-level elasticity. Soft matrices that mimic brain are neurogenic, stiffer matrices that mimic muscle are myogenic, and comparatively rigid matrices that mimic collagenous bone prove osteogenic. Read more »
Stem cells transform into a cardiac phenotype with remodeling of the nuclear transport machinery
http://www.nature.com –
Nuclear transport of transcription factors is a critical step in stem cell commitment to a tissue-specific lineage. While it is recognized that nuclear pores are gatekeepers of nucleocytoplasmic exchange, it is unknown how the nuclear transport machinery becomes competent to support genetic reprogramming and cell differentiation. Here, we report the dynamics of nuclear transport factor expression and nuclear pore microanatomy during cardiac differentiation of embryonic stem cells. Read more »
Year of publication:
2007
Journal name:
Nature Clinical Practice Cardiovascular Medicine