Three-dimensional culture environments enhance osteoblast differentiation

Boehrs, Jessica, et al. (2008). "Three-dimensional culture environments enhance osteoblast differentiation." Journal of Prosthodontics 17 7: 517-21

PURPOSE: In previous work from our laboratory, we demonstrated that the three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures developed in simulated microgravity environments enhanced osseous-like aggregate formation and accelerated preosteoblast cell differentiation. Thus, as described here, we hypothesize that aggregate formation and mineralization would occur with fewer than 10 x 10(6) cells as previously described. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human preosteoblastic cells were cultured at different concentrations in a rotary wall vessel to simulate microgravity for 7 days. Aggregate size was assessed, and mineralization and collagen expression detected using Von Kossa and Masson Trichrome staining. Scanning electron microscopy was used for structural and elemental analysis. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect expression of the osteogenic markers BSPII and osteopontin (OP). RESULTS: Size and calcium expression were dependent upon cultured cell number (p < 0.01). Calcium and collagen expression were detected throughout the aggregate, but organization was independent of cell number. Aggregates had similar microscopic structural patterns demonstrating organized development. Presence of BSPII and OP showed that the aggregates share common differentiation proteins with in vivo bone formation. CONCLUSIONS: These results may lead to novel bone engineering techniques associated with dental treatment.

ISSN: 1532-849X

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-849X.2008.00330.x

Accession Number: 18573152

Current RFI

Researcher Interviews

Recent Posts

Projects in Flight

Recently Added Research

Popular Tags

Three-dimensional culture environments enhance osteoblast differentiation