Insensitivity of dental pulp stem cells migration to substrate stiffness

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are a promising cell source for regeneration of dental pulp. Migration is key event but influence the microenvironment rigidity (5 kPa at center to 20 GPa dentin) largely unknown. Mechanical signals transmitted from extracellular matrix cytoskeleton, nuclei, and chromatin, potentially regulating gene expression. To identify microenvironmental on migration, we analyzed motility PDMS substrates with stiffness increasing 1.5 up 2.5 MPa. We found that migration speed slightly increases as substrate decreases in correlation decreasing focal adhesion size. Motility relatively insensitive stiffness, even bi-rigidity where DPSCs migrate without preferential direction. independent both myosin II activity YAP translocation after inhibition. Additionally, inhibition Arp2/3 complex leads significant decrease all rigidities, suggesting contribution lamellipodia migration. Interestingly, chromatin architecture remains stable 7-days exposure rigidity. design scaffold mimicking environment, similar rigidity, leaves field open choose this mechanical parameter.