Fig. 1

Matrix-bound MSCs improve fibroblast function. a Two-dimensional in-vitro “wound healing” assay, fibroblasts from mice (wild-type and CXCR3^–/–) and MSCs fluorescently labeled and plated at varying ratios in 12-well plates. A 1 mm-wide “scratch wound” was made in the in monolayer using a rubber policeman and the migration into the “wound” determined at 24 hours (normalized to fibroblasts alone). b Two-dimensional in-vitro transwell “wound healing” assay, fibroblasts (bottom) and MSCs with/out treatment (top) seeded. The cells then incubated in 0.5% dialyzed DMEM alone with no treatment (NT) containing EGF (10 nmol/L) or in the presence of IP-9 (25 ng/ml). Fibroblasts in the bottom chamber assessed in an in-vitro “wound healing” assay, as in a. c Fluorescently labeled MSCs (red; black arrow) and fibroblasts (green; white arrow) plated in matrix gel plugs and cell outgrowth monitored for 5 days (white dotted line delineates HA gel edge). d Cell proliferation via Vybrant Cell Metabolic Assay comparing MSCs in the hydrogel matrix system versus the tissue cultured plastic. Marked and equivalent reductions in metabolic activity responses appreciated at 48, 72, and 120 hours. *p < 0.05 and **p < 0.01, compared to control. Data and images from a representative experiment of three with n = 3 per experiment per condition, each with a different cell isolate. Original magnifications, ×100. EGF epidermal growth factor, MSC mesenchymal stem cells, TNC tenascin-C, WT wild type (Color figure online)