Platelet-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Promote Tenogenic Differentiation of Stem Cells on Bioengineered Living Fibers

last updated: 2023-02-10
ProjectMagTendon :: publications list
TitlePlatelet-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Promote Tenogenic Differentiation of Stem Cells on Bioengineered Living Fibers
Publication TypePapers in Scientific Journals
Year of Publication2023
AuthorsGraça A. L., Domingues R. M. A., Gómez-Florit M., and Gomes M. E.
Abstract

Tendon mimetic scaffolds that recreate the tendon hierarchical structure and niche have increasing potential to fully restore tendon functionality. However, most scaffolds lack biofunctionality to boost the tenogenic differentiation of stem cells. In this study, we assessed the role of platelet-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in stem cells’ tenogenic commitment using a 3D bioengineered in vitro tendon model. First, we relied on fibrous scaffolds coated with collagen hydrogels encapsulating human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) to bioengineer our composite living fibers. We found that the hASCs in our fibers showed high elongation and cytoskeleton anisotropic organization, typical of tenocytes. Moreover, acting as biological cues, platelet-derived EVs boosted the hASCs’ tenogenic commitment, prevented phenotypic drift, enhanced the deposition of the tendon-like extracellular matrix, and induced lower collagen matrix contraction. In conclusion, our living fibers provided an in vitro system for tendon tissue engineering, allowing us to study not only the tendon microenvironment but also the influence of biochemical cues on stem cell behavior. More importantly, we showed that platelet-derived EVs are a promising biochemical tool for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications that are worthy of further exploration, as paracrine signaling might potentiate tendon repair and regeneration.

JournalInternational Journal Of Molecular Sciences
Volume24
Issue4
Pagination1-18
Date Published2023-02-09
PublisherMDPI
ISSN1422-0067
DOI10.3390/ijms24043516
URLhttps://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/4/3516
KeywordsComposite living fibers, extracellular vesicles, hierarchical scaffolds, platelets; stem cells, Tenogenic differentiation
RightsopenAccess
Peer reviewedyes
Statuspublished

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