64163event12972649501475891645<![CDATA[Stem Cell Engineering Center Seminar Series]]>
Abstract: Microsystems have the potential to impact biology by providing
new ways to manipulate cells and the microenvironment around them.
Simply physically manipulating cells or their environment—using
microfluidics, electric fields, or optical forces—provides new ways to
organize cell-cell interactions. Our lab has been using cell
manipulation to study cell-cell interactions in stem cell self-renewal,
differentiation, and nuclear reprogramming. To control diffusible
signaling and study its influence on cell fate, we have developed arrays
of microfluidic perfusion culture chambers that use fluid flow to
create a convection-dominated transport environment. This in turn
provides a more controlled soluble microenvironment in which to study
diffusible signaling in self-renewal and neural specification. Using
these systems, we have identified the existence of previously unknown
autocrine loops involved in fate specification, and have delineated the
effects of shear itself on self-renewal. We are also developed ways to
control cell-cell interactions by creating patterns of multiple
developmentally important cell types. For example, by using
micropatterning to spatially arrange embryonic stem cells with respect
to supporting cells found in the early blastocyst, we have been able to
recapitulate early developmental steps in vitro. Together, the ability
to control cell placement and diffusible signaling provide news ways to
exploit stem cells’ potential for both basic science and applied
biotechnology.]]>
Stem Cell Engineering Seminar Series
Joel Voldman, PhD - Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Microscale Manipulation of Cells and Their Environment for Controlling Stem Cell Fate