Mechanical loading and the control of stem cell behavior

Abstract

Objective: Mechanical stimulation regulates many cell responses. The present study describes the effects of different in vitro mechanical stimulation approaches on stem cell behavior.

Design: The narrative review approach was performed. The articles published in English language that addressed the effects of mechanical force on stem cells were searched on Pubmed and Scopus database. The effects of extrinsic mechanical force on stem cell response was reviewed and discussed.

Results: Cells sense mechanical stimuli by the function of mechanoreceptors and further transduce force stimulation into intracellular signaling. Cell responses to mechanical stimuli depend on several factors including type, magnitude, and duration. Further, similar mechanical stimuli exhibit distinct cell responses based on numerous factors including cell type and differentiation stage. Various mechanical applications modulate stemness maintenance and cell differentiation toward specific lineages.

Conclusions: Mechanical force application modulates stemness maintenance and differentiation. Modification of force regimens could be utilized to precisely control appropriate stem cell behavior toward specific applications.

Keywords: Differentiation; Mechanical force; Self-renewal; Signaling; Stem cells.