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Effects Of Cell-Cell Signaling On Mesenchymal Stem Cell Mechanosensing And Adaptation To Dynamic Material, Matthew E. Lowe

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research is to identify the role of engineered cell-cell signals on how cells sense material properties. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult cells whose behavior is regulated by matrix mechanosensing, which is characterized by stiffness-dependent changes in cell shape and the nuclear localization of mechano-transducer proteins including YAP (Yes-associated Protein). MSC area and nuclear YAP translocation increase with increasing stiffness, and although low levels of N-cadherin-based cell-cell signaling reduce this effect, two fundamental questions remain: (1) do engineered cell-cell signals at higher concentrations further reduce matrix mechanosensing, and (2) does N-cadherin signaling affect MSC adaptation to …