{"title":"Bile Duct Regeneration Using a Gelatin Hydrogel Nonwoven Fabric-Based Artificial Bile Duct in Pigs.","authors":"Daichi Nakamura, Takahiro Nishio, Yusuke Uemoto, Yukinori Koyama, Kojiro Taura, Yoshihiko Kurata, Shuhei Kanda, Keisuke Okura, Makoto Kurimoto, Yuichi Takamatsu, Yutarou Hori, Rei Toda, Motohiko Satou, Tomoaki Yoh, Hiroto Nishino, Satoshi Ogiso, Yoichiro Uchida, Takamichi Ishii, Keiko Iwaisako, Yasuhiko Tabata, Etsuro Hatano","doi":"10.1177/19373341251395079","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19373341251395079","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Bile duct jejunal anastomosis is a standard reconstruction method following bile duct resection. Nevertheless, this procedure is technically intricate and carries significant postoperative risks. This study evaluated bile duct regeneration in pigs using artificial bile ducts (ABDs) made of gelatin hydrogel nonwoven fabric (GHNF).</p><p><strong>Experiment: </strong>An ABD composed of polyglycolic acid (PGA) as the inner layer and GHNF as the outer layer was implanted in the defect of the bile duct in pigs. After a 105-day implantation period, tissue samples were analyzed via histology, immunohistochemistry, and RNA sequencing.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The implantation of the ABD promoted fibroblast infiltration, extracellular matrix (ECM) formation, and bile duct epithelial regeneration in the site of the bile duct defect by postoperative day 105. Histological analysis revealed complete absorption and replacement of GHNF by collagen-rich ECM. Immunohistochemistry studies indicated the presence of CK19-positive bile duct epithelial cells in the ABD area, suggesting the successful regeneration of the entire bile duct structure. Furthermore, RNA sequencing revealed gene expression patterns analogous to those observed in native bile ducts, showing a similarity with a significant correlation coefficient between the regenerated and the native bile ducts. Differentially expressed genes related to ECM formation, such as COL3A1, SPARC, and COL1A1, were highly expressed, along with growth factors such as FGF1, FGF7, FGF18, FGF22, TGFβ1, and TGFβ3.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The experimental findings demonstrated the successful regeneration of bile duct tissue by the ABD made of GHNF implanted in pigs, thereby signifying its potential for future clinical applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":56375,"journal":{"name":"Tissue Engineering Part A","volume":" ","pages":"616-629"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145574943","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Evaluation of Carboxymethyl Chitosan Hydrogel Containing Caviar Extract Effect on Skin Regeneration.","authors":"Fatemeh Sadat Seyedi, Seyed Mohammad Atyabi, Yasamin Moradi, Shiva Irani, Fereshteh Sharifi","doi":"10.1177/19373341251398819","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19373341251398819","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Skin aging involves changes in extracellular matrix components, such as wrinkles and pigmentation. Caviar extract (CE) is a promising compound for skin rejuvenation, but effective topical delivery requires optimized carriers. This study evaluated polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl chitosan (PVA/CMC) hydrogels loaded with CE at concentrations of 2%, 3.5%, and 5% as scaffolds to influence the epithelial differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs). Hydrogels were synthesized using a freeze-thaw method and characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy, swelling and degradation tests, and mechanical analysis. Biocompatibility and cell migration were assessed using MTT and scratch assays; at the same time, expression of cytokeratin-18 (<i>CK-18</i>) and pan-cytokeratin (pan-CK) was measured via reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry (ICC), respectively. FTIR confirmed successful CE incorporation, and SEM revealed a porous structure. Hydrogels with 3.5% and 5% CE demonstrated a good balance between swelling and degradation over 336 h. The biocompatibility tests showed that 5% CE supported enhanced long-term cell growth. The scratch assay indicated improved cell migration, and transcriptional analysis revealed significantly higher <i>CK-18</i> levels in ADMSCs treated with PVA/CMC/CE 5% (<i>p</i> < 0.001). ICC results showed significantly higher pan-CK expression at 3.5% CE (41.82%) and 5% CE (48.16%), suggesting that CE promotes repair processes. These findings suggest that 5% CE-loaded PVA/CMC hydrogel could be an effective option for skin regeneration and antiaging.</p>","PeriodicalId":56375,"journal":{"name":"Tissue Engineering Part A","volume":" ","pages":"639-650"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145643020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Holly M Poling, Akaljot Singh, Supasek Kongsomros, Maulee Sheth, Maksym Krutko, Abid A Reza, Kalpana Srivastava, James M Wells, Michael A Helmrath, Leyla Esfandiari
{"title":"Promoting Human Intestinal Organoid Formation and Stimulation Using Piezoelectric Nanofiber Matrices.","authors":"Holly M Poling, Akaljot Singh, Supasek Kongsomros, Maulee Sheth, Maksym Krutko, Abid A Reza, Kalpana Srivastava, James M Wells, Michael A Helmrath, Leyla Esfandiari","doi":"10.1177/19373341251396119","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19373341251396119","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Human organoid model systems have changed the landscape of developmental biology and basic science. They serve as a great tool for human-specific interrogation. In order to advance our organoid technology, we aimed to test the compatibility of a piezoelectric material with organoid generation, because it will create a new platform with the potential for sensing and actuating organoids in physiologically relevant ways. We differentiated human pluripotent stem cells into spheroids following the traditional human intestinal organoid (HIO) protocol atop a piezoelectric nanofiber scaffold. We observed that exposure to the biocompatible piezoelectric nanofibers promoted spheroid morphology 3 days sooner than with the conventional methodology. At day 28 of culture, HIOs grown on the scaffold appeared similar. Both groups were readily transplantable and developed well-organized laminated structures. Graft sizes between groups were similar. Upon characterizing the tissue further, we found no detrimental effects of the piezoelectric nanofibers on intestinal patterning or maturation. Furthermore, to test the practical feasibility of the material, HIOs were also matured on the nanofiber scaffolds and treated with ultrasound, which lead to increased cellular proliferation which is critical for organoid development and tissue maintenance. This study establishes a proof of concept for integrating piezoelectric materials as a customizable platform for on-demand electrical stimulation of cells using remote ultrasonic waveforms in regenerative medicine.</p>","PeriodicalId":56375,"journal":{"name":"Tissue Engineering Part A","volume":" ","pages":"604-615"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145574955","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xinna Bai, Shuping Peng, Zhangui Tang, Cijun Shuai, Tiantian He
{"title":"The Effect of Pore Size on Cell Ingrowth in PLLA/HA Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering.","authors":"Xinna Bai, Shuping Peng, Zhangui Tang, Cijun Shuai, Tiantian He","doi":"10.1177/19373341251392176","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19373341251392176","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In bone regenerative medicine, scaffolds play a pivotal role in promoting cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Among the various materials employed for creating scaffolds, mixed materials composed of poly-l-lactic acid and hydroxyapatite (PLLA/HA) have emerged as a favored option owing to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and ability to support cellular activities. Our research has delved into the optimization of PLLA/HA scaffold design, with a particular focus on pore size, as it significantly influenced cellular behavior. We have found that PLLA/HA scaffolds with the pore size of 400 µm, created using selective laser sintering, exhibited the most favorable conditions for cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. Additionally, flow field environment simulation showed that scaffolds with the pore size of 400 µm possessed a more balanced flow field distribution, which was beneficial to cells. This finding provides research support for the pore size selection of bone scaffold in advanced treatment strategies for bone tissue engineering.</p>","PeriodicalId":56375,"journal":{"name":"Tissue Engineering Part A","volume":" ","pages":"592-603"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147635260","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Regenerative Healing.","authors":"Michael V Sefton, Malcolm King, Alexandra King","doi":"10.1177/19373341251392179","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19373341251392179","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Indigenous health and wellness encompasses physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, with a focus on \"the interconnectedness of these aspects and the importance of community and cultural practices.\" \"Regenerative healing,\" as distinct from \"Regenerative medicine,\" is a similarly wholistic term that has emerged from conversations with selected First Nations and Métis Knowledge Holders from across Canada.</p>","PeriodicalId":56375,"journal":{"name":"Tissue Engineering Part A","volume":" ","pages":"589-591"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145454066","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dayoon Cho, Myeong-Kyu Lee, Sae Rom Lee, Ja-Young Kwon, Jin Sook Yoon
{"title":"Experimental Study of Umbilical Cord Graft and Established Sling Materials for Frontalis Suspension.","authors":"Dayoon Cho, Myeong-Kyu Lee, Sae Rom Lee, Ja-Young Kwon, Jin Sook Yoon","doi":"10.1177/19373341251398493","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19373341251398493","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Frontalis suspension surgery is the preferred treatment option for patients with poor levator function ptosis. This procedure connects the affected eyelid to the brow using sling material, harnessing the action of the frontalis muscle to elevate the upper eyelid. Various sling materials have been used, most commonly silicone rods and fascia lata. However, both have notable limitations: silicone rods carry a relatively high risk of postoperative inflammation and ptosis recurrence, while fascia lata, due to its low elasticity, may cause blinking dysfunction and exposure keratopathy. Additionally, fascia lata harvesting poses challenges in young children. Therefore, there is a need for an alternative human tissue sling material that is both readily available and capable of overcoming the limitations of established sling materials. This study aimed to evaluate the viability of human umbilical cord grafts as a novel sling material for frontalis suspension surgery in ptosis patients. We developed a new method for dissecting and dehydrating umbilical cord tissue and assessed its mechanical and histological properties using uniaxial tensile testing and histological analysis. Untreated umbilical cord grafts exhibited mechanical strength (15.9546 ± 2.6117 N) and strain (96.8674 ± 3.6707%) values intermediate between those of silicone rod and fascia lata. Alcohol dehydration significantly increased ultimate tensile strength and maximum strain, ultimate strength values exceeding those of silicone rod. These grafts withstood forces exceeding those generated during forced blinking, outperforming silicone rod in strength and exhibiting greater elasticity than fascia lata. Histological analysis revealed abundant collagen and glycosaminoglycans within Wharton's jelly, alongside elastic fiber-rich regions in vessel walls. The presence of these extracellular matrix components likely underlies the grafts' favorable mechanical properties. Overall, umbilical cord grafts may emerge as a promising alternative to conventional sling materials in ptosis surgery, potentially addressing limitations in material availability.</p>","PeriodicalId":56375,"journal":{"name":"Tissue Engineering Part A","volume":" ","pages":"630-638"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145643326","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sheng-Tao Zhao, Yao-Wen Zhang, Yi-Hui Pan, Xiang-Zhen Yan
{"title":"3D-BMSC Spheroids Enhance Bone Repair Associated with H-Type Vessels and Immunomodulation.","authors":"Sheng-Tao Zhao, Yao-Wen Zhang, Yi-Hui Pan, Xiang-Zhen Yan","doi":"10.1177/19373341261473151","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/19373341261473151","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The therapeutic potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in bone tissue engineering (BTE) is compromised by functional decline during conventional two-dimensional (2D) expansion. We hypothesized that chitosan film-based three-dimensional (3D) culture rejuvenates BMSC potency, synergistically promoting angiogenesis and immunomodulation for vascularized bone regeneration. Mouse BMSCs were cultured into spheroids on chitosan films. Their stemness, proliferation, migration, senescence, osteogenic, and proangiogenic potential were compared with 2D cultures. Paracrine effects were evaluated by treating human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and RAW264.7 macrophages with BMSC-conditioned medium (CM). <i>In vivo</i>, gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel-encapsulated 3D-BMSC spheroids were implanted into mouse critical-size cranial defects. Compared to 2D counterparts, 3D-BMSCs exhibited increased stemness, proliferation, migration, delayed senescence, osteogenic differentiation, and enhanced proangiogenic potential. We observed that conditioned medium from 3D-BMSCs (3D-CM) was associated with <i>in vitro</i> angiogenesis and orchestrated a proreparative microenvironment by promoting M2 macrophage polarization and suppressing M1 inflammation. <i>In vivo</i>, GelMA + 3D-BMSC spheroids achieved greater bone regeneration, which was accompanied by a proreparative immune microenvironment and enhanced CD31/EMCN-positive H-type-like vessel formation. This chitosan film-based 3D culture system effectively augments BMSC therapeutic potency, simultaneously enhancing intrinsic cell properties and orchestrating a proregenerative microenvironment, thereby offering a promising experimental platform for critical-sized bone defect repair.</p>","PeriodicalId":56375,"journal":{"name":"Tissue Engineering Part A","volume":" ","pages":"19373341261473151"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148686314","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"LINC00687 Regulates PRDX2 Expression in High Glucose-Induced Nonunion after Digital Replantation.","authors":"Xiangying Wang, Xin He","doi":"10.1177/19373341251381372","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19373341251381372","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Diabetic nonunion is a major clinical challenge with unclear molecular mechanisms. This study systematically investigated the key genes and molecular mechanisms of bone nonunion after finger replantation induced by high glucose using Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), bioinformatics, and experimental analyses. In total, 179 differentially expressed mRNAs and one lncRNA (DElncRNA) were identified using the GEO dataset. Functional enrichment analysis showed that these genes were mainly involved in the regulation of autophagy and metabolism. Protein-protein interaction network analysis identified five core genes (Peroxiredoxin 2 [PRDX2], FK506 binding protein 8 [FKBP8], SHANK-associated RH domain interactor [SHARPIN], WD repeat domain 45 [WDR45], and gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor-associated protein like 2 [GABARAPL2]), three of which exhibited good binding affinities for potential therapeutic agents. Immune infiltration analysis revealed significant differences in the CD8+ T cell proportions between nonunion and healthy samples. We constructed a competitive endogenous RNA network (long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 687 [LINC00687]-miR-4443-PRDX2) and verified its direct regulatory interaction using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. FKBP8, PRDX2, SHARPIN, WDR45, and GABARAPL2 were overexpressed in tissue samples from patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus fracture nonunion. Animal experiments further confirmed that LINC00687 upregulated PRDX2 expression by sponging miR-4443 in a hyperglycemic environment, thereby inhibiting bone healing. This study not only identified PRDX2 and other genes as potential biomarkers of diabetic nonunion but also clarified the regulatory role of the LINC00687/miR-4443/PRDX2 axis in hyperglycemia-induced nonunion, providing a new molecular target for clinical prevention and treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":56375,"journal":{"name":"Tissue Engineering Part A","volume":" ","pages":"517-528"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145202175","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Inès Aouimeur, Louise Coulomb, Sofiane Fraine, Zhiguo He, Guillaume Bonnet, Tomy Sagnial, Gauthier Travers, Sédao Xxx, Cyril Mauclair, Anaick Moisan, Philippe Gain, Gilles Thuret, Corantin Maurin
{"title":"Tissue-Engineered Endothelial Keratoplasty with Controlled Cell Density: Toward Super TEEKs.","authors":"Inès Aouimeur, Louise Coulomb, Sofiane Fraine, Zhiguo He, Guillaume Bonnet, Tomy Sagnial, Gauthier Travers, Sédao Xxx, Cyril Mauclair, Anaick Moisan, Philippe Gain, Gilles Thuret, Corantin Maurin","doi":"10.1177/19373341251381346","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19373341251381346","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Over the past 20 years, endothelial keratoplasty procedures have revolutionized the treatment of corneal endothelial disorders. These conditions have now become the leading indication for corneal transplantation in Western countries and account for half of all donor cornea usage. Despite their undeniable success, the global shortage of donor tissues and major disparities between nations justify the development of alternatives to donor grafts. Cell therapy using injections of suspended endothelial cells has proven effective, and tissue-engineered endothelial keratoplasty (TEEK), comprising a membrane coated with cultured endothelial cells, is under development to better mimic the native endothelial graft. Our team utilizes a femtosecond-laser-cut lens capsule disc as a bioengineering scaffold, taking advantage of this novel tissue's biocompatibility, transparency, curvature, and availability. In the present study, we provide proof of concept, in 12 TEEKs, that it is possible to control the final endothelial cell density (ECD) by varying the seeding density per mm<sup>2</sup>. Cell characterization was performed through morphometric analysis of the endothelial mosaic stained with anti-NCAM (a lateral membrane marker used as a differentiation marker), using the CellPose artificial intelligence algorithm specifically trained for <i>in vitro</i> endothelium segmentation. Five criteria related to pleomorphism, polymorphism, and elongation were combined into a single endothelial quality score. The median cell viability at 28 days of culture, assessed by Hoechst 33342 and Calcein-AM staining, reached 98% (range: 83-99%). The median viable ECD (number of live cells per surface unit) in the highest-density group was 3.245 cells/mm<sup>2</sup> (range: 2.778-3.753), paving the way for the bioengineering of supra-physiological TEEKs, or \"super TEEKs\".</p>","PeriodicalId":56375,"journal":{"name":"Tissue Engineering Part A","volume":" ","pages":"529-537"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145132886","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kuniko Hunter, Shuvo Roy, Alissa Ice, Rachel C Evans, Roy Zent, William H Fissell
{"title":"Inhibition of TGF-β in Tubule Cells Increases Respiration via Upregulation of Respiratory Genes.","authors":"Kuniko Hunter, Shuvo Roy, Alissa Ice, Rachel C Evans, Roy Zent, William H Fissell","doi":"10.1177/19373341251389007","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19373341251389007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Renal tubule cells lose differentiated characteristics in artificial culture, limiting their application in medical research and cell therapy. We previously showed that adding inhibitors of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling to cell culture media increased specific transport functions characteristic of differentiated tubule cells. Transport in proximal tubule cells is energetically demanding; <i>in vivo</i>, these cells rely primarily on oxidative phosphorylation of fatty acids for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation. We examined whether TGF-β inhibition, with or without metformin, altered glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation compared with standard culture conditions.</p><p><strong>Approach: </strong>Primary renal tubule cells (PRTC) were cultured with or without an inhibitor of TGF-β receptor I and with or without metformin in a 2 × 2 factorial design. First, expression of proteins in fatty acid transport and the electron transport chain was compared between conditions. The relative contributions of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation to ATP generation were assessed by extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR). We also tested substrate-specific contributions using inhibitors of pyruvate, glutamine, and carnitine mitochondrial entry. Finally, OCR and transport were measured after 48 weeks in culture to determine durability of culture phenotype.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Metformin and SB431542 increased expression and phosphorylation of proteins in the electron transport chain and involved in fatty acid transport. Metformin and TGF-β inhibition increased oxidative phosphorylation. Metformin decreased glucose dependency, while combination with TGF-β inhibition increased fatty acid dependency. Differences in OCR and transport between treatment conditions persisted at 48 weeks in culture.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Renal tubule cell transport is energetically demanding, so cellular differentiation requires matching increases in energetic machinery. We found that metformin and inhibition of TGF-β increased oxygen consumption and utilization of fatty acids in cultured primary tubule cells. These data support the hypothesis that TGF-β inhibition <i>in vitro</i> not only increases expression of a broad array of transporters characteristic of the proximal tubule, as we previously showed, but also improves the supply of energy to support active transport.</p>","PeriodicalId":56375,"journal":{"name":"Tissue Engineering Part A","volume":" ","pages":"559-569"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145440029","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}