Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the common precursors of several functionally disparate cell lineages. A plethora of chemical and physical stimuli contribute to lineage decisions and guidance, including mechanical stretch concomitant with physical movement. Here, we examined how stretch regulates MSC differentiation into adipocytes and the intracellular signaling pathways involved. MSCs were cultured under adipogenic conditions and divided into a control and an experimental group. Cultures in the experimental group were subjected to a sinusoidal stretch regimen delivered via flexible culture bottoms (5% magnitude, 10 times per min, 6h/day, 3 or 5 days). Expression levels of the adipocyte markers PPARγ-2, adiponectin, and C/EBPα were measured as indices of differentiation.
By Li R, Liang L, Dou Y, Huang Z, Mo H, Wang Y, Yu B 