Gattazzo F, Urciuolo A, Bonaldo P. Extracellular matrix: a dynamic microenvironment for stem cell niche.
Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2014;
1840:2506-19. [PMID:
24418517 PMCID:
PMC4081568 DOI:
10.1016/j.bbagen.2014.01.010]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 849] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Revised: 01/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Background
Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic and complex environment characterized by biophysical, mechanical and biochemical properties specific for each tissue and able to regulate cell behavior. Stem cells have a key role in the maintenance and regeneration of tissues and they are located in a specific microenvironment, defined as niche.
Scope of review
We overview the progresses that have been made in elucidating stem cell niches and discuss the mechanisms by which ECM affects stem cell behavior. We also summarize the current tools and experimental models for studying ECM–stem cell interactions.
Major conclusions
ECM represents an essential player in stem cell niche, since it can directly or indirectly modulate the maintenance, proliferation, self-renewal and differentiation of stem cells. Several ECM molecules play regulatory functions for different types of stem cells, and based on its molecular composition the ECM can be deposited and finely tuned for providing the most appropriate niche for stem cells in the various tissues. Engineered biomaterials able to mimic the in vivo characteristics of stem cell niche provide suitable in vitro tools for dissecting the different roles exerted by the ECM and its molecular components on stem cell behavior.
General significance
ECM is a key component of stem cell niches and is involved in various aspects of stem cell behavior, thus having a major impact on tissue homeostasis and regeneration under physiological and pathological conditions. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Matrix-mediated cell behaviour and properties.
Stem cells have a key role in the maintenance and regeneration of tissues.
The extracellular matrix is a critical regulator of stem cell function.
Stem cells reside in a dynamic and specialized microenvironment denoted as niche.
The extracellular matrix represents an essential component of stem cell niches.
Bioengineered niches can be used for investigating stem cell–matrix interactions.
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