The Role of Notch Signaling and Environmental Factors in Adult Stem Cell Myogenic and Osteogenic Differentiation

Carson Taylor Hall Rm 322

Human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) have significant therapeutic potential due to their ability to self-renew, differentiate, and modulate the immune system. The Notch signaling pathway is known to regulate cell state and differentiation in hASCs. This pathway is a highly conserved signaling cascade involved in various aspects of organismal development and has been shown to regulate the multipotent differentiation of hASCs. We are currently investigating how environmental factors interact with the Notch pathway to direct cell fate. Our primary interest is optimizing the differentiation of hASCs towards bone and muscle tissue so that we can identify more efficient methods for regeneration of these tissues in people who suffer from injury, degenerative conditions, or astronauts with significant muscle and bone loss after prolonged stays in microgravity. Our current focus is investigating the impact that media composition has on myogenesis while also assessing changes in the Notch signaling pathway that occur during differentiation. We have determined that media containing horse serum, hydrocortisone, and reduced concentrations of fetal bovine serum (FBS) leads to more efficient myogenesis of hASCs. This was characterized by examining cell morphology, qRT-PCR to study gene expression, as well as western blots and immunofluorescence to study protein expression and localization. We are currently using these same techniques to optimize osteogenic differentiation of hASCs and incorporate our knowledge of Notch signaling to further enhance this process. Together, these studies of myogenesis and osteogenesis provide critical information on how environmental conditions can be used to enhance the therapeutic potential of hASCs.