Encouraging the Activation of Stem Cells through Mechanical Means
In a significant leap forward in stem cell research, a groundbreaking study is shedding light on the intricate workings of heterogeneous bone marrow cells, thanks to the use of a microfluidic device. This innovative tool allows for a better understanding of the differences between subpopulations of these cells, as well as the cytokines each subpopulation may be secreting, both in the body and in the lab.
At the heart of this research is Dr. Frances, a researcher whose thesis focuses on understanding specific stem cells and the subpopulations within them. Drawing inspiration from a design by MIT Professor Jongyoon Han, Dr. Frances has adapted the microfluidic device to sort stem cells into groups. This inertial microfluidic separation device separates large diameter cells from small diameter cells, providing a more defined population for further study.
The group's 2014 paper demonstrated that three markers - size, mechanical stiffness, and nuclear movement - are sufficient to identify stem cells in a heterogeneous population of chemically similar but non-stem cells. This breakthrough offers a more precise approach to stem cell research, moving away from the examination of mixed populations, a common practice in previous studies.
One such previous study focused on the mechanical factors affecting the function of mesenchymal stem cells. However, this research was conducted on a mixed population of cells, not a single well-defined cell population. The recent advancements in microfluidic technology now enable researchers to control the production process of certain cytokine patterns through manipulation of the environment of bone marrow stem cells. This was achieved by Dr. Kristina R. Waters in her dissertation at MIT.
The cells being studied can be thought of as factories producing chemicals, and the operation of these cells can be altered by changing the material properties of their environment, such as stiffness, acidity, and roughness. By understanding these factors, researchers can potentially influence the behaviour of stem cells, opening up new possibilities for medical treatments and therapies.
In summary, the use of microfluidic devices is revolutionising stem cell research, enabling researchers to study specific subpopulations and control the production of cytokines. This breakthrough offers a more precise and effective approach to understanding and manipulating stem cells, with potential applications in a wide range of medical fields.
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