Design and Fabrication of Artificial Stem Cell Microenvironments.

(D) Functional artificial stem cell niche relies on the stimuli cues (through direct contact or soluble factors secretion) exerted by neighboring cells (e.g., endothelial cells, MSCs, osteocytes, adipocytes, chondrocytes, neural cells, etc.) and from ECM components (collagen fibers, proteoglycans, elastin, etc.). Major key features of stem cells' functions are self-renewal and their capacity for differentiation, allowing for maintain a proper stem cell reservoir as well as producing lineage-committed cells [[1]]. Moreover, improving our understanding of how the niche can regulate stem cell fate may contribute to better cell administration in different disorders as a potential "advanced stem cell therapy" [[15]]. Stem cells within their niche are subjected to various direct or indirect interactions exerted by both neighboring cells (stem cell niche stroma) and ECM-mediated signals, such as those obtained from shear stress and tissue stiffness [[16], [18]]. [Extracted from the article]