Immobilized Laminin-derived Peptide Can Enhance Expression of Stemness Markers in Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Due to number of reasons such as ease of isolation and their broad differentiation capability, adult human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely considered as of the most promising cells for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Nevertheless quick decrease in expression of transcription factors associated with stemness and self-renewal during ex vivo expansion of MSCs is an impediment against their therapeutic applications. Since the influence of extra cellular matrix (ECM) proteins on the fate of stem cells is well documented, the culture of MSCs on ECM-derived synthetic biomolecules is worth investigating. In the present study, a laminin-derived peptide, YIGSR was covalently immobilized on the chitosan film surface using carbodiimide chemistry and confirmed by fluorometry. The results obtained from surface characterization by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and contact angle measurement, showed no significant difference in topological features and hydrophilicity after peptide immobilization. Employment of these surfaces for culture of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells demonstrated that the immobilized YIGSR peptide has a favorable effect on adhesion and maintaining viability of the MSCs as well as on the expression of stemness markers (Nanog, Oct-4, and Sox-2) in these cells.