Substrate elasticity controls cell proliferation, surface marker expression and motile phenotype in amniotic fluid-derived stem cells

The physical cues presented to stem cells by the substrate on or in which they exist have been shown to play a crucial role in regulation of their behavior. Until recently, most research has focused on the effects of substrate elasticity on differentiation capability rather than maintenance of long-term proliferation and plasticity. The main goal of the present study is to study the interaction of amniotic fluid-derived stem (AFS) cells with growth substrata of different elasticity, which may extend their application potentials. Here, we investigate the effects of elastic modulus (E′), on AFS cell proliferation, morphology, cell surface marker expression, and autocrine stimulation of cell migration. AFS cells cultured on substrates of different E′ exhibited significant changes in proliferation and morphology. Immunohistochemistry revealed increased expression of cell surface markers associated with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) (CD44, CD90, CD105, and N-cadherin) in cells cultured on softer substrates. Additionally, AFS cells cultured on softer substrates induced autocrine stimulation of migration. Therefore, tailoring the elastic modulus of biomaterials to specific stiffness values is an effective method to control stem cell properties, which may modulate the effectiveness of their therapeutic applications.

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► Amniotic fluid stem cells were cultured on substrates of different stiffness.
► Low stiffness slowed proliferation and significantly changed cell morphology.
► Cells on soft substrates more strongly expressed mesenchymal stem cells markers.
► Cells on soft substrates were more active in autocrine migratory stimulation.
► Low stiffness may aid in maintaining states of “stemness.”