Fig. 1: Matrix stiffness influenced the spreading and activity of astrocytes in 3D.
From: Matrix stiffness changes affect astrocyte phenotype in an in vitro injury model
a Astrocytes were encapsulated into hybrid hydrogels of different stiffnesses. The mechanical properties of the hybrid hydrogel changed from ∼42.7 ± 6.3 Pa (soft) to ~990.6 ± 189.3 Pa (stiff) when the concentration of Ca2+ increased from 0 to 5 mM. b The cell spreading area significantly increased with decreasing matrix stiffness. c Matrix stiffness influenced the shape of astrocytes. d, e Immunofluorescence analysis indicated that astrocytes showed increased activity in a softer matrix with upregulated GFAP and IL-1β after 7 days of culture (red, IL-1β; green, GFAP; blue, nucleus). Scale bar, 50 μm. f Relative protein levels of GFAP in astrocytes determined by Western blotting. n > 50 cells for (b–e).
