Macromolecular modulation in a tissue-to-tissue model system differentially regulates the behaviour of hBMSCs

The simultaneous creation of multiple tissues and their functional assembly leading to complex organ systems has recently created interest in tissue engineering strategies. The structural and mechanical gradient present on tissues has its main focus at the interface since it seems that tissue-to-tissue interfaces are crucial for multitissue repair strategies. Thus, well-defined gradient model systems are of great importance in the study cell-matrix interactions at a biophysical level. It was hypothesized that by modulating the macromolecular enviroment, cells will assume a differential behaviour as a consequence of targeting specific intracellular signaling events leading to desirable cell fate patterning. Thus, cell viability and biofunctionality, as well differential paracrine secretory profiles and gene/cell marker expression, can be engineered by using human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs).