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Review
. 2013 Feb;31(2):78-84.
doi: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2012.11.001. Epub 2012 Dec 5.

Emerging strategies for spatiotemporal control of stem cell fate and morphogenesis

Melissa A Kinney  1 , Todd C McDevitt
Affiliations
Review

Emerging strategies for spatiotemporal control of stem cell fate and morphogenesis

Melissa A Kinney et al. Trends Biotechnol. 2013 Feb.

Abstract

Stem cell differentiation is regulated by the complex interplay of multiple parameters, including adhesive intercellular interactions, cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix remodeling, and gradients of agonists and antagonists that individually and collectively vary as a function of spatial locale and temporal stages of development. Current approaches to direct stem cell differentiation focus on systematically understanding the relative influences of microenvironmental perturbations and simultaneously engineering platforms aimed at recapitulating physicochemical aspects of tissue morphogenesis. This review focuses on novel approaches to control the spatiotemporal dynamics of stem cell signaling and morphogenic remodeling to direct the differentiation of stem cells and develop functional tissues for in vitro screening and regenerative medicine technologies.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Stem cell fate decisions
(A) Stem cell phenotypes are often depicted at discrete stages of varying potency, as commonly shown by the hierarchical example of pluripotent embryonic stem cell differentiation to the three germ lineages and subsequent mature cell progeny of each. (B) In reality, stem cell fate decisions constitute a continuum of phenotypes, governed by the cellular responses to microenvironmental stimuli (physical and chemical) presented to cell populations at different stages of development and maturation.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Novel approaches to direct stem cell differentiation via spatiotemporal control of the biophysical and biochemical stem cell microenvironment
Increasing appreciation for the precision required to deliver soluble morphogens have prompted the development of techniques to modulate (A) temporal dynamics and to (B) enable localized spatial delivery of exogenous factors. Additionally, the local environment can be controlled through (C) perturbations of endogenous secreted factors as well as by (D) altering intrinsic stem cell morphogenic and remodeling responses.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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