Neural Stem Cell Differentiation Using Microfluidic Device-Generated Growth Factor Gradient.
10.4062/biomolther.2018.001
- Author:
Ji Hyeon KIM
1
;
Jiyeon SIM
;
Hyun Jung KIM
Author Information
1. Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Stem Cells, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea. hyunjungkim@cau.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Neural stem cells;
Microfluidic chip;
Growth factor-gradient;
Differentiation;
Proliferation;
Neurogenesis
- MeSH:
Apoptosis;
Cell Culture Techniques;
Cell Proliferation;
Embryonic Development;
Female;
Fibroblasts;
In Vitro Techniques;
Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins;
Lab-On-A-Chip Devices;
Microfluidics*;
Nervous System;
Neural Stem Cells*;
Neurogenesis;
Neurons;
Pregnancy
- From:Biomolecules & Therapeutics
2018;26(4):380-388
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Neural stem cells (NSCs) have the ability to self-renew and differentiate into multiple nervous system cell types. During embryonic development, the concentrations of soluble biological molecules have a critical role in controlling cell proliferation, migration, differentiation and apoptosis. In an effort to find optimal culture conditions for the generation of desired cell types in vitro, we used a microfluidic chip-generated growth factor gradient system. In the current study, NSCs in the microfluidic device remained healthy during the entire period of cell culture, and proliferated and differentiated in response to the concentration gradient of growth factors (epithermal growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor). We also showed that overexpression of ASCL1 in NSCs increased neuronal differentiation depending on the concentration gradient of growth factors generated in the microfluidic gradient chip. The microfluidic system allowed us to study concentration-dependent effects of growth factors within a single device, while a traditional system requires multiple independent cultures using fixed growth factor concentrations. Our study suggests that the microfluidic gradient-generating chip is a powerful tool for determining the optimal culture conditions.
