Phytochrome‐Based Extracellular Matrix with Reversibly Tunable Mechanical Properties

Authors:
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Interrogation and control of cellular fate and function using optogenetics is providing revolutionary insights into biology. Optogenetic control of cells is achieved by coupling genetically encoded photoreceptors to cellular effectors and enables unprecedented spatiotemporal control of signaling processes. Here, a fast and reversibly switchable photoreceptor is used to tune the mechanical properties of polymer materials in a fully reversible, wavelength‐specific, and dose‐ and space‐controlled manner. By integrating engineered cyanobacterial phytochrome 1 into a poly(ethylene glycol) matrix, hydrogel materials responsive to light in the cell‐compatible red/far‐red spectrum are synthesized. These materials are applied to study in human mesenchymal stem cells how different mechanosignaling pathways respond to changing mechanical environments and to control the migration of primary immune cells in 3D. This optogenetics‐inspired matrix allows fundamental questions of how cells react to dynamic mechanical environments to be addressed. Further, remote control of such matrices can create new opportunities for tissue engineering or provide a basis for optically stimulated drug depots.
Funding Information
  • Max-Planck-Gesellschaft
  • Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SA3190)
  • Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB‐992)
  • European Research Council (FP7/2007‐2013, 259043‐CompBioMat)
  • Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB‐850)
  • Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst Baden-Württemberg (33‐7532.20)
  • Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (031A464)
  • European Research Council (ERC‐2011‐StG 282105)

This publication has 47 references indexed in Scilit: