Functional immobilization of signaling proteins enables control of stem cell fate.

Alberti K, Davey RE, Onishi K, George S, Salchert K, Seib FP, Bornhäuser M, Pompe T, Nagy A, Werner C, Zandstra PW

Research article (journal)

Abstract

The mode of ligand presentation has a fundamental role in organizing cell fate throughout development. We report a rapid and simple approach for immobilizing signaling ligands to maleic anhydride copolymer thin-film coatings, enabling stable signaling ligand presentation at interfaces at defined concentrations. We demonstrate the utility of this platform technology using leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and stem cell factor (SCF). Immobilized LIF supported mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) pluripotency for at least 2 weeks in the absence of added diffusible LIF. Immobilized LIF activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in a dose-dependent manner. The introduced method allows for the robust investigation of cell fate responses from interface-immobilized ligands.

Details about the publication

JournalNature Methods
Volume5
Issue7
Page range645-650
StatusPublished
Release year2008
Language in which the publication is writtenEnglish
KeywordsOctamer Transcription Factor-3. Leukemia Inhibitory Factor; Stem Cell Factor; Cell Adhesion; Animals; STAT3 Transcription Factor; Polymethacrylic Acids; Embryonic Stem Cells; Cell Differentiation; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Pluripotent Stem Cells; Protein Sorting Signals; Signal Transduction; Ligands; Cells Cultured; Mice; Coated Materials Biocompatible; Octamer Transcription Factor-3. Leukemia Inhibitory Factor; Stem Cell Factor; Cell Adhesion; Animals; STAT3 Transcription Factor; Polymethacrylic Acids; Embryonic Stem Cells; Cell Differentiation; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Pluripotent Stem Cells; Protein Sorting Signals; Signal Transduction; Ligands; Cells Cultured; Mice; Coated Materials Biocompatible

Authors from the University of Münster

Werner, Claudius
Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine