Factorial Screening of Self-Assembling Peptide Matrix for Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation

Stem cell proliferation and differentiation is directed by a complex orchestration of different signals [1, 2]. To create a suitable artificial environment, self-assembling peptides provide the versatile medium since oligopeptide signals can be readily presented in a well-defined and well-controlled manner. Exploiting this material property and using factorial analysis, we developed a quantitative and high-throughput screening platform to investigate the interaction between stem cells and multiple extracellular matrix signals under different culture dimensionality. We found that 3D culture system provided a more suitable environment for mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells proliferation. Interestingly, epitopes derived from two different proteins (fibronectin and collagen) showed a synergistic effect on ES cells proliferation. Experiments are ongoing to determine the specific lineage of cellular differentiation under this condition. The results from this study will provide details about a cocktail of oligopeptide epitopes useful for controlling the stem cell fate, and the information will shed light on the molecular mechanism involved in stem cell growth and differentiation.

[1] Cukierman E, Pankov R, Stevens DR, Yamada KM. Taking cell-matrix adhesions to the third dimension. Science 2001;294:1708-12.

[2] Geiger B. Cell biology - Encounters in space. Science 2001;294:1661-+.