TY - JOUR
T1 - Fibronectin and stem cell differentiation - lessons from chondrogenesis
AU - Singh, Purva
AU - Schwarzbauer, Jean E.
PY - 2012/8/15
Y1 - 2012/8/15
N2 - The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an intricate network of proteins that surrounds cells and has a central role in establishing an environment that is conducive to tissue-specific cell functions. In the case of stem cells, this environment is the stem cell niche, where ECM signals participate in cell fate decisions. In this Commentary, we describe how changes in ECM composition and mechanical properties can affect cell shape and stem cell differentiation. Using chondrogenic differentiation as a model, we examine the changes in the ECMthat occur before and during mesenchymal stem cell differentiation. In particular, we focus on the main ECM protein fibronectin, its temporal expression pattern during chondrogenic differentiation, its potential effects on functions of differentiating chondrocytes, and how its interactions with other ECM components might affect cartilage development. Finally, we discuss data that support the possibility that the fibronectin matrix has an instructive role in directing cells through the condensation, proliferation and/or differentiation stages of cartilage formation.
AB - The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an intricate network of proteins that surrounds cells and has a central role in establishing an environment that is conducive to tissue-specific cell functions. In the case of stem cells, this environment is the stem cell niche, where ECM signals participate in cell fate decisions. In this Commentary, we describe how changes in ECM composition and mechanical properties can affect cell shape and stem cell differentiation. Using chondrogenic differentiation as a model, we examine the changes in the ECMthat occur before and during mesenchymal stem cell differentiation. In particular, we focus on the main ECM protein fibronectin, its temporal expression pattern during chondrogenic differentiation, its potential effects on functions of differentiating chondrocytes, and how its interactions with other ECM components might affect cartilage development. Finally, we discuss data that support the possibility that the fibronectin matrix has an instructive role in directing cells through the condensation, proliferation and/or differentiation stages of cartilage formation.
KW - Chondrogenesis
KW - Extracellular matrix
KW - Fibronectin
KW - SOX9
KW - Stem cell differentiation
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U2 - 10.1242/jcs.095786
DO - 10.1242/jcs.095786
M3 - Article
C2 - 22976308
AN - SCOPUS:84869128551
SN - 0021-9533
VL - 125
SP - 3703
EP - 3712
JO - The Quarterly journal of microscopical science
JF - The Quarterly journal of microscopical science
IS - 16
ER -