Three-Dimensional High-Throughput Cell Encapsulation Platform to Study Changes in Cell-Matrix Interactions.

In their native extracellular microenvironment, cells respond to a complex array of biochemical and mechanical cues that can vary in both time and space. High-throughput methods that allow characterization of cell-laden matrices are valuable tools to screen through many combinations of variables, ultimately helping to evolve and test hypotheses related to cell-ECM signaling. Here, we developed a platform for high-throughput encapsulation of cells in peptide-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels.

Transcriptional profiles of valvular interstitial cells cultured on tissue culture polystyrene, on 2D hydrogels, or within 3D hydrogels.

Valvular interstitial cells (VICs) actively maintain and repair heart valve tissue; however, persistent activation of VICs to a myofibroblast phenotype can lead to aortic stenosis (Chen and Simmons, 2011) [1]. To better understand and quantify how microenvironmental cues influence VIC phenotype, we compared expression profiles of VICs cultured on/in poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) gels to those cultured on tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS), as well as fresh isolates. Here, we present both the raw and processed microarray data from these culture conditions.

Microarray analyses to quantify advantages of 2D and 3D hydrogel culture systems in maintaining the native valvular interstitial cell phenotype.

Valvular interstitial cells (VICs) actively maintain and repair heart valve tissue; however, persistent activation of VICs to a myofibroblast phenotype can lead to aortic stenosis. To better understand and quantify how microenvironmental cues influence VIC phenotype and myofibroblast activation, we compared expression profiles of VICs cultured on poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) gels to those cultured on tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS), as well as fresh isolates. In general, VICs cultured in hydrogel matrices had lower levels of activation (<10%), similar to levels seen in healthy valve tissue, while VICs cultured on TCPS were ∼75% activated myofibroblasts.

Dynamic stiffening of poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogels to direct valvular interstitial cell phenotype in a three-dimensional environment.

Valvular interstitial cells (VICs) are active regulators of valve homeostasis and disease, responsible for secreting and remodeling the valve tissue matrix. As a result of VIC activity, the valve modulus can substantially change during development, injury and repair, and disease progression. While two-dimensional biomaterial substrates have been used to study mechanosensing and its influence on VIC phenotype, less is known about how these cells respond to matrix modulus in a three-dimensional environment.

Photoresponsive elastic properties of azobenzene-containing poly(ethylene-glycol)-based hydrogels.

The elastic modulus of the extracellular matrix is a dynamic property that changes during various biological processes, such as disease progression or wound healing. Most cell culture platforms, however, have traditionally exhibited static properties, making it necessary to replate cells to study the effects of different elastic moduli on cell phenotype. Recently, much progress has been made in the development of substrates with mechanisms for either increasing or decreasing stiffness in situ, but there are fewer examples of substrates that can both stiffen and soften, which may be important for simulating the effects of repeated ECM injury and resolution.