New Method Improves the Function of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Sheets

Hiroshima University researchers have introduced a new method for growing stem cells that may enhance their ability to release signaling proteins important for tissue repair. The technique, described in Materials Today Bio, involves arranging stem cells into a single, aligned sheet using a temperature-responsive culture surface with alternating stripes. This setup encourages the cells to grow in parallel, much like their natural arrangement in muscle or skin tissue.

By aligning the cells, the researchers observed a significant increase in the secretion of cytokines—signaling proteins that help with tissue repair and immune regulation. “Mesenchymal stem cell sheets are attracting attention as an effective regenerative medicine,” said Kenichi Nagase, the study’s corresponding author. “Therefore, we thought that if we could improve the function of mesenchymal stem cell sheets, their therapeutic effect could be improved.”

Testing showed that the aligned stem cell sheets released higher levels of factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, and transforming growth factor-β. These proteins are known to support healing and tissue regeneration.

Traditional methods of delivering mesenchymal stem cells as individual cells often result in poor retention at the injury site. Growing the cells into sheets preserves cell-to-cell contact and the extracellular matrix, improving their durability and function. The new approach does not interfere with the cells’ ability to become other cell types but does enhance their cooperative behavior. 

The striped surfaces were created by simply modifying standard culture materials, and the sheets can be detached gently by lowering the temperature, making them easy to transplant. The researchers hope this method will lead to more efficient and targeted stem cell therapies for conditions like heart disease, liver damage, and autoimmune disorders.