Cell signalling and biomaterials have a symbiotic relationship as demonstrated by a bioinformatics study: The role of surface topography. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Coppari, Sofia; Ramakrishna, Seeram; Teodori, Laura; Albertini, Maria Cristina
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in biomedical engineering. Volume 17(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Biomaterial -- Cell–material interaction -- Surface topography -- Nanofibers -- Bioinformatics; Biomedical engineering -- Periodicals; 610.28
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2020.09.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2468-4511

Abstract

Abstract: Cell–substrate interaction is a process influenced by several variables. The topography, the chemical and mechanical properties of a biomaterial can influence significantly specific intracellular signalling cascades that exert control over adhesion, proliferation, self-renewal, migration and cell differentiation. Through a bioinformatics approach, we evaluated the pathways that are modulated by topographies on different biomaterials. Nanofibers are biomaterials with a topography that well mimics naturally occurring extracellular environment able to establish symbiotic-like relationships with the cells. Interactions with the contact area of the cells and the focal contacts represent a link between the extracellular matrix and the cytoskeleton, capable of influencing epigenetic regulation of cell processes. Electrospun fibres are the ideal candidate scaffolding material owing to their surface properties and the ability to promote cell adhesion and to guide intracellular signalling cascades. The use of predictive models can facilitate the rational design of tailored biomaterial substrate–cells interfaces necessary for the improved outcomes of biomaterials science, stem cells, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Graphical abstract: Schematic illustration of how the data have been retrieved by query the cBiT web interface. Biomaterials studies have been filtered considering the material class to sort 13 papers with similar characteristics. Image 1 Highlights: Bioinformatics revealed novel molecular mechanisms modulated during cell and matrix interactions. Topography modulates 'Developmental biology (Axon guidance)' and 'Metabolism of protein' pathways independently from the biomaterial used. Nanofibers may have the suitable topography that more closely mimics extracellular matrix components.