Hypergravitational stimulation of cell differentiation

Mechanobiology is an emerging field within biophysics which encapsulates cellular responses to mechanical stimuli. Mechanotransduction is the highly dynamic and varied downstream cellular signalling which is activated through many different modes of mechanical stimulation. Control of stem cell differentiation has been controlled in the past via mechanical stimulation. A plethora of studies have been conducted within this field documenting the effects of many mechanical stimuli such as vibration or compression. Despite this, in vitro compression of cells via hypergravity has received less attention than other applied forces of material properties, considering the availability of suitable centrifuges to the average biomedical scientist. Hypergravity is defined as any level of acceleration due to gravity which is above the level experienced on Earth (>1 g). MG63 osteosarcoma and mesenchymal stem cells were subjected to prolonged intermittent periods of hypergravity stimulation between 10-50 g. Hypergravity stimulation was applied to test the impact on osteogenic marker expression. A marked response both in cell viability, F-actin polymerisation, and nuclear area were observed among both cell types. MG63 osteosarcoma cells displayed a detrimental response towards stimulation. Mesenchymal stem cells showed similar sensitivity, yet heightened viability. Overall, the protocol of hypergravity stimulation applied was not sufficient to induce osteogenesis in MG63 cells.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

mres

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters-pg

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Strathclyde

Year dc:date.issued

2023

Author dc:creator

• McLennan, Samuel

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Childs, Peter

DOI

10.48730/80s1-bd45

Identifier

T16619

Author Identifier

202181736

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:strathclyde:dr26xx83z