Integrin β3 targeting biomaterial preferentially promotes secretion of bFGF and viability of iPSC-derived vascular smooth muscle cells

Biomater Sci. 2021 Jul 27;9(15):5319-5329. doi: 10.1039/d1bm00162k.

Abstract

Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived-vascular smooth muscle cells (hiPSC-VSMC) and their secretome have been shown to promote angiogenesis and wound healing. However, there is a paucity of research on how the extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment may impact the hiPSC-VSMC's functions. In this study, we investigated the effect of specific ECM ligand-integrin interaction on hiPSC-VSMC's paracrine secretion, cell viability, and morphology. Here, we show precise modulation of hiPSC-VSMC in a fibronectin functionalized fibrillar collagen scaffold by targeting their integrin β3. The secretion of proangiogenic growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was found to be fibronectin-dependent via αvβ3 integrin interactions. In addition, our data show the possible role of a positive feedback loop between integrin β3, bFGF, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 in regulating hiPSC-VSMC's morphology and cell viability. Finally, the secretome with enhanced bFGF shows potential for future wound healing applications.

MeSH terms

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2
  • Humans
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells*
  • Integrin beta3
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 2
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Integrin beta3
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 2