Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) influences the survival, development, migration, proliferation, shape, and function of the cells that contact it. Through the design and expression of artificial genes, it is possible to prepare artificial ECM (aECM) proteins with domains chosen to modulate cellular behaviors. The objective of this study was to examine what combination of the RGD-containing fragments with two JEV E protein heparin-binding domains, served as aECM proteins, were suitable materials for human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells and human articular chondrocytes NHAC-kn attachment, proliferation and differentiation on tissue culture plate, polycaprolactone membrane, Cytodex 1 and Plastic Plus microcarriers. 387RGDS was a RGDS modified JEV E protein fragment, Tri-FN10 was a three-repeat protein of heparin-binding domains and fibronectin RGD-containing peptide, and TNC-FN3 was a fusion protein of the third fibronectin type III repeat of tenascin-C with heparin-binding domains. The three aECM proteins had a trend of: TNC-FN3> Tri-FN10> 387RGDS on attachment and proliferation enhancing effects on MG-63 and NHAC-kn cells. And the osteocalcin, osteopontin, and collagen type I expression of MG-63 cells were maintained on these three aECM proteins coated materials. Chondrocytes cultured on aECM proteins coated and uncoated 3D cytodex 1 surfaces and with TNC-FN3 coated tissue culture plate could re-differentiate to phenotype of type II collagen expression.