Immobilized WNT Proteins Act as a Stem Cell Niche for Tissue Engineering

• One-step aldehyde-based chemistry to covalently immobilize hydrophobic WNT proteins
• Long-term storage and continued activation of WNT signaling over days
• WNT platform can enrich and maintain adult/embryonic stem cells in 2D cultures
• Basal WNT can direct 3D multicellularity for engineering tissues

SummaryThe timing, location, and level of WNT signaling are highly regulated during embryonic development and for the maintenance of adult tissues. Consequently the ability to provide a defined and directed source of WNT proteins is crucial to fully understand its role in tissue development and to mimic its activity in vitro. Here we describe a one-step immobilization technique to covalently bind WNT3A proteins as a basal surface with easy storage and long-lasting activity. We show that this platform is able to maintain adult and embryonic stem cells while also being adaptable for 3D systems. Therefore, this platform could be used for recapitulating specific stem cell niches with the goal of improving tissue engineering.

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