The role of extracellular matrix elasticity and composition in regulating the nucleus pulposus cell phenotype in the intervertebral disc: a narrative review.
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) disorders are a major contributor to disability and societal
health care costs. Nucleus pulposus (NP) cells of the IVD exhibit changes in both
phenotype and morphology with aging-related IVD degeneration that may impact the onset
and progression of IVD pathology. Studies have demonstrated that immature NP cell
interactions with their extracellular matrix (ECM) may be key regulators of cellular
phenotype, metabolism and morphology. The objective of this article is to review our
recent experience with studies of NP cell-ECM interactions that reveal how ECM cues
can be manipulated to promote an immature NP cell phenotype and morphology. Findings
demonstrate the importance of a soft (<700 Pa), laminin-containing ECM in regulating
healthy, immature NP cells. Knowledge of NP cell-ECM interactions can be used for
development of tissue engineering or cell delivery strategies to treat IVD-related
disorders.
Type
Journal articleSubject
AnimalsCell Differentiation
Computer Simulation
Elastic Modulus
Extracellular Matrix
Fibrillar Collagens
Fibrocartilage
Humans
Intervertebral Disc
Mechanotransduction, Cellular
Models, Biological
Stress, Mechanical
Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/10161/8879Published Version (Please cite this version)
10.1115/1.4026360Publication Info
Hwang, Priscilla Y; Chen, Jun; Jing, Liufang; Hoffman, Brenton D; & Setton, Lori A (2014). The role of extracellular matrix elasticity and composition in regulating the nucleus
pulposus cell phenotype in the intervertebral disc: a narrative review. J Biomech Eng, 136(2). pp. 021010. 10.1115/1.4026360. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/8879.This is constructed from limited available data and may be imprecise. To cite this
article, please review & use the official citation provided by the journal.
Collections
More Info
Show full item recordScholars@Duke
Jun Chen
Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
This author no longer has a Scholars@Duke profile, so the information shown here reflects
their Duke status at the time this item was deposited.
Brenton D. Hoffman
James L. and Elizabeth M. Vincent Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering
The overall goal of my research program is to utilize an interdisciplinary approach
to first advance the basic understanding of mechanotransduction on multiple scales
and then use this knowledge to guide the development of new treatments for mechanosensitive
diseases. Our work combines principles and techniques from protein engineering, molecular
biology, soft matter physics, cell and developmental biology, biomaterials engineering,
automated image analysis, and state of the art live cell mic
Lori A. Setton
Adjunct Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Research in Setton's laboratory is focused on the role of mechanical factors in the
degeneration and repair of soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system, including the
intervertebral disc, articular cartilage and meniscus. Work in the Laboratory is focused
on engineering and evaluating materials for tissue regeneration and drug delivery.
Studies combining engineering and biology are also used to determine the role of mechanical
factors to promote and control healing of cartilaginous tissues. Re
Alphabetical list of authors with Scholars@Duke profiles.

Articles written by Duke faculty are made available through the campus open access policy. For more information see: Duke Open Access Policy
Rights for Collection: Scholarly Articles
Works are deposited here by their authors, and represent their research and opinions, not that of Duke University. Some materials and descriptions may include offensive content. More info