查看文章

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be made to rearrange into microtissues in response to specific matrix cues, a process that depends on a balance between cell–matrix and cell–cell interactions. The effect of such cues, and especially their interplay, is still not fully understood, particularly in three-dimensional (3-D) systems. Here, the behaviour of human MSCs cultured within hydrogel matrices with tailored stiffness and composition was evaluated. MSC aggregation occurred only in more compliant matrices (G′ ⩽ 120 Pa), when compared to stiffer ones, both in the presence and in the absence of matrix-bound arginine–glycine–aspartic acid cell–adhesion ligands (RGD; 0, 100 and 200 μM). Fibronectin assembly stabilized cell–cell contacts within aggregates, even in non-adhesive matrices. However, MSCs were able to substantially contract the artificial matrix only when RGD was present. Moreover, compliant …