The mechanism under megakaryocytic differentiation from hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and platelet biogenesis from mature megakaryocytes are not fully understood. Stem cells need signals for differentiation from their microenvironment, including soluble factors, cell-cell contact, cell-extracellumatrix contact and mechanical properties of their niche. Based on inspiration from microenvironment of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and megkaryocytes, we are trying to investigate how mechanical signals including both of matrix elasticity and shear force by flow affect megakaryotic differentiation. The result is promising in both of understanding of basic mechanism of megakaryocytic differentiation and designing a bioreactor for expansion of hematopoietic stem cells and platelet biogenesis.

 

 

Eleftherios Terry Papoutsakis

 

 

megakaryocyte; stem cell; differentiation; matrix elasticity; shear force