The effect of surface micro-topographies on the nucleus and chromatin in human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs)

This thesis investigates how stem cells change shape when grown on specially patterned surfaces with microscopic grooves and pillars. The research shows that these surface patterns cause the cell nucleus to deform in specific ways, which triggers changes in how genes are turned on or off. Importantly, the study reveals that cells retain a "memory" of these shape changes even after being moved to smooth surfaces. This memory effect influences whether the stem cells develop into bone-forming cells. The findings will help design better medical implants and improve stem cell treatments for repairing damaged tissues like bone.