Mechanotransduction is a context-dependent activator of TGF-β signaling in mesenchymal stem cells

Steven Vermeulen, Nadia Roumans, Floris Honig, Aurélie Carlier, Dennie G.A.J. Hebels, Aysegul Dede Eren, Peter ten Dijke, Aliaksei Vasilevich, Jan de Boer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

We previously found that surface topographies induce the expression of the Scxa gene, encoding Scleraxis in tenocytes. Because Scxa is a TGF-β responsive gene, we investigated the link between mechanotransduction and TGF-β signaling. We discovered that mesenchymal stem cells exposed to both micro-topographies and TGF-β2 display synergistic induction of SMAD phosphorylation and transcription of the TGF-β target genes SCX, a-SMA, and SOX9. Pharmacological perturbations revealed that Rho/ROCK/SRF signaling is required for this synergistic response. We further found an activation of the early response genes SRF and EGR1 during the early adaptation phase on micro-topographies, which coincided with higher expression of the TGF-β type-II receptor gene. Of interest, PKC activators Prostratin and Ingenol-3, known for inducing actin reorganization and activation of serum response elements, were able to mimic the topography-induced TGF-β response. These findings provide novel insights into the convergence of mechanobiology and TGF-β signaling, which can lead to improved culture protocols and therapeutic applications.

Original languageEnglish
Article number120331
JournalBiomaterials
Volume259
Early online date15 Aug 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Nov 2020

Keywords

  • Actin dynamics
  • Biomaterials
  • Mechanobiology
  • Mesenchymal stem cells
  • Scleraxis
  • TGF-β

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biophysics
  • Bioengineering
  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Biomaterials
  • Mechanics of Materials

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