Final answer:
Mesenchymal stem cells grown on a moderate stiffness substratum develop into muscle cells or cells with muscle-like properties. This is due to optimal stress-fiber polarization and contractile forces at a substrate rigidity of around 10kPa, which influences specific gene expression for muscle cell differentiation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mechanical Properties and Stem Cell Differentiation
When mesenchymal stem cells are grown on a substratum of moderate stiffness, they differentiate into specific types of cells depending on the mechanical properties of their environment. Studies have shown that the mechanical coupling between the cell shape, rigidity of surroundings, and the organization of the stress fiber in the cytoskeleton lead to the differentiation of these cells into various connective tissue types. In particular, a substrate rigidity around 10kPa promotes the differentiation into muscle cells due to the maximized stress-fiber polarization under these conditions, correlating with enhanced contractile forces and specific gene expression patterns associated with muscle-like cells.
Further research has indicated that the substrate stiffness not only influences the differentiation outcomes but also the mechanical properties of the cells themselves, such as cell cortical stiffness. The studies on mesenchymal stem cells have substantial implications for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, exemplifying that physical cues can be utilized to guide stem cell fate in a predictive manner.
It is thus apparent that mesenchymal stem cells grown on a substrate with moderate stiffness, aligning with the optimal range found for muscle cell differentiation, are likely to develop into muscle cells or cells with muscle-like properties.