Mechanical Changes of Senescent Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) offer great opportunities in regenerative medicine. However, extended ex vivo culture induces changes in MSC morphology, which limit MSC migration after reinfusion. In this study, we investigated the fundamental mechanical properties governing these changes. We found that treatment of early passage human MSCs with tumorsecreted soluble factors dramatically altered cell mechanics and motility; however, late passage senescent human MSCs didn’t respond to similar treatment. Our data demonstrates an important link between cell senescence and mechanotransduction. Keywords: stem cells, tissue engineering, cell-based therapy