Stiffness Assisted Cell-Matrix Remodeling Trigger Mechanotransduction Regulatory Programs to Induce Stem Cell Differentiation

The interplay of transcription and epigenetics in response to biophysical factors is important in the design of engineered matrix platforms that seek to direct cellular fate. We present a nanoparticle crosslinker to reinforce hydrogels and study the impact on hMSC transcription through RNA-seq. The study provides insight into how environmental stiffness drives global intracellular signaling through PI3AKT transction and chromatin remodeling to enable YAP/TAZ activity. Overall design: Examination of matrix stiffness impact on transcriptome and epigenome to modulate hMSC fate