Regulation of mitochondrial network architecture and function in mesenchymal stem cells by micropatterned surfaces

Mitochondrial network architecture, which is closely related to mitochondrial function, is mechanically sensitive and regulated by multiple stimuli. However, the effects of microtopographic cues on mitochondria remain poorly defined. Herein, polycaprolactone (PCL) surfaces were used as models to investigate how micropatterns regulate mitochondrial network architecture and function in rat adipose-derived stem cells (rASCs). It was found that large pit (LP) induced rASCs to form larger and more complex mitochondrial networks. Consistently, the expression of key genes related to mitochondrial dynamics revealed that mitochondrial fusion (MFN1 and MFN2) and midzone fission (DRP1 and MFF) were increased in rASCs on LP. In contrast, the middle pit (MP) enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis, as evidenced by the larger mitochondrial area and higher expression of PGC-1. Both LP and MP promoted ATP production in rASCs. It is likely that LP increased ATP levels through modulating mitochondrial network architecture while MP stimulated mitochondria biogenesis to do so. Our study clarified the regulation of micropatterned surfaces on mitochondria, highlighting the potential of LP and MP as a simple platform to stimulate mitochondria and the subsequent cellular function of MSCs.