Novel culture system via wirelessly controllable optical stimulation of the FGF signaling pathway for human and pig pluripotency

In Young Choi, Ho Tae Lim, Alex Huynh, James Schofield, Hyeon Jin Cho, Hosuk Lee, Peter Andersen, Joo Heon Shin, Won Do Heo, Sang Hwan Hyun, Yong Jun Kim, Yohan Oh, Hyesoo Kim, Gabsang Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Stem cell fate is largely determined by cellular signaling networks and is heavily dependent on the supplementation of exogenous recombinant proteins into culture media; however, uneven distribution and inconsistent stability of recombinant proteins are closely associated with the spontaneous differentiation of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) and result in significant costs in large-scale manufacturing. Here, we report a novel PSC culture system via wirelessly controllable optical activation of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathway without the need for supplementation of recombinant FGF2 protein, a key molecule for maintaining pluripotency of PSCs. Using a fusion protein between the cytoplasmic region of the FGF receptor-1 and a light-oxygen-voltage domain, we achieved tunable, blue light-dependent activation of FGF signaling in human and porcine PSCs. Our data demonstrate that a highly controllable optical stimulation of the FGF signaling pathway is sufficient for long-term maintenance of PSCs, without the loss of differentiation potential into three germ layers. This culture system will be a cost-effective platform for a large-scale stem cell culture.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number120222
JournalBiomaterials
Volume269
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2021

Keywords

  • FGF signaling
  • FGF2
  • Optogenetics
  • Pluripotency
  • Pluripotent stem cell

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biophysics
  • Bioengineering
  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Biomaterials
  • Mechanics of Materials

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