Thermo‐Chemically Modified Silk Scaffolds Reveal Niche‐Driven Regulation of Hematopoiesis and Fibrosis

TL;DR

A 3D silk-based bone marrow model is developed to study blood cell formation and disease-related disruptions in a controlled environment.

Contribution

A tunable silk scaffold system is introduced to mimic bone marrow, enabling study of hematopoiesis and fibrosis in health and disease.

Findings

Silk scaffolds support differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells into megakaryocytes and platelets.

MSCs cultured on the scaffolds show transcriptional profiles similar to native bone marrow stroma.

The model simulates fibrotic conditions and reveals impaired megakaryocyte maturation in patient-derived cells.

Abstract

Recreating the human bone marrow microenvironment in vitro remains a critical challenge in advancing our understanding of hematopoiesis and its disruption in disease. Here, we present a fully tunable bone marrow model based on silk fibroin scaffolds engineered through thermo‐chemical processing to replicate the mechanical and structural features of native marrow. This 3D platform integrates mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and supports the functional differentiation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) into mature megakaryocytes and platelets. RNA sequencing of MSCs cultured on physiologically tuned scaffolds revealed transcriptional programs closely aligned with native stroma, validating the fidelity of the engineered niche. The model captures essential marrow dynamics, including matrix remodeling and perfusion flow, enabling direct assessment of thrombopoietic function. To simulate fibrotic remodeling, scaffolds were functionalized with TGF‐β1, inducing MSC transition into myofibroblast‐like cells and recreating pathological features of myeloproliferative neoplasms. In this context, patient‐derived HSPCs exhibited impaired megakaryocyte maturation and aberrant calcium signaling, partially restored by interfering with calcium flux. To quantify microenvironment‐driven dysfunction, we calculated changes in megakaryocyte size distribution using a Divergence Index. Combined with the engineered niche, this functional metric offers a powerful and quantifiable platform to dissect dysregulated hematopoiesis and evaluate therapeutic strategies in patient‐derived systems.

We introduce a versatile 3D platform that recreates key physical and biological features of the human bone marrow. By integrating tunable silk biomaterials, stromal cells, and human hematopoietic progenitors, the model captures both healthy and diseased microenvironments, analysis of blood formation, and its disruption in pathological conditions.

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