Fig. 6: Matrigel HDB-MSCs augment skeletal muscle regeneration in mice volumetric muscle loss (VML) located in mice gluteus maximus (GM). | Nature Communications

Fig. 6: Matrigel HDB-MSCs augment skeletal muscle regeneration in mice volumetric muscle loss (VML) located in mice gluteus maximus (GM).

From: Bead-jet printing enabled sparse mesenchymal stem cell patterning augments skeletal muscle and hair follicle regeneration

Fig. 6

a Schematic illustration of Matrigel HDB-MSCs transplantation using bead-jet printing. VML was modeled in mice GM muscle. The MSCs-laden HDB beads were printed in sparse patterns to widen the coverage of HDB distribution in the defect. The gaps were filled with acellular beads. b Bead-jet printing and ordered assembly in an irregular mold that mimics the irregular in vivo defect. c Photographs of VML trauma of immediately post-printing of MSCs-laden LDB and HDB beads (or post-casting of MSCs-laden HDG) and after regeneration of muscle tissues for 2 weeks and 4 weeks in the defect. d–f H&E (d) and MTS (e) staining of regenerated skeletal muscle tissues at 4 weeks post-printing. H&E: hematoxylin and eosin. MTS: Masson’s trichome staining. Scale bar, 500 µm (d), 100 µm (e). Quantification of collagen deposition percentage according to the MTS staining results (f). n = 3. For each data, at least six imaging windows are randomly selected. g–j Representative images of MSCs in the Matrigel HDG, LDB, and HDB groups after transplantation for 24 h (g) and 1 week (h) in muscle tissues. MSCs were labeled using the red Dil cell membrane tracker (Meilunbio). Acellular beads and acellular bulk gel were loaded with monodispersed green fluorescent polystyrene microspheres (Aladdin, 1 µm, 1:20 diluted in Matrigel solution). Quantification of MSCs (i) and total cell density (j) per section after transplantation for 24 h and 1 week. n = 3. Scale bar, 100 µm. k and l Immunofluorescence for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) to quantify the MSCs retention rates at 3 weeks and 4 weeks post-printing (or post-casting) of MSC complexes (k). Quantification of HLA+ area per section at 3 weeks and 4 weeks (l). n = 3 per group. Scale bar, 50 µm. All data are represented as mean ± SD. The significant difference is determined by one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s test. *p < 0.05; **p < 0.01; ***p < 0.001; ****p < 0.0001.

Back to article page