Integrin-specific hydrogels modulate transplanted human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell survival, engraftment, and reparative activities
This study shows that hydrogels presenting specific peptides that bind to integrins on the surface of stem cells can improve bone repair. The hydrogel with the GFOGER peptide, which targets a specific integrin, enhanced stem cell survival, engraftment, and bone formation in a mouse model compared to other hydrogels and controls.