1. Matrix Control of Stem Cell Fate
- Author
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Vira V. Artym, Kenneth M. Yamada, and Sharona Even-Ram
- Subjects
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all) ,Cellular differentiation ,Cell ,Mesenchymal stem cell ,Cell Culture Techniques ,Cell Differentiation ,Mesenchymal Stem Cells ,Cell lineage ,Anatomy ,Biology ,Elasticity ,General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology ,Extracellular Matrix ,Cell biology ,Extracellular matrix ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Stem cell fate ,Cell culture ,medicine ,Humans ,Cell Lineage ,Stem cell - Abstract
A key challenge in stem cell research is to learn how to direct the differentiation of stem cells toward specific fates. In this issue of Cell, Engler et al. (2006) identify a new factor regulating stem cell fate: the elasticity of the matrix microenvironment. By changing the stiffness of the substrate, human mesenchymal stem cells could be directed along neuronal, muscle, or bone lineages.
- Published
- 2006