Nanopattern surface improves cultured human myotube maturation

Background In vitro maturation of human primary myoblasts using 2D culture remains a challenging process and leads to immature fibers with poor internal organization and function. This would however represent a valuable system to study muscle physiology or pathophysiology from patient myoblasts, at a single-cell level. Methods Human primary myoblasts were cultured on 800-nm wide striated surface between two layers of Matrigel, and in a media supplemented with an inhibitor of TGFβ receptor. Gene expression, immunofluorescence, and Ca 2+ measurements upon electrical stimulations were performed at various time points during maturation to assess the organization and function of the myotubes. Results We show that after 10 days in culture, myotubes display numerous functional acetylcholine receptor clusters and express the adult isoforms of myosin heavy chain and dihydropyridine receptor. In addition, the myotubes are internally well organized with striations of α-actinin and STIM1, and occasionally ryanodine receptor 1. We also demonstrate that the myotubes present robust Ca 2+ responses to repetitive electrical stimulations. Conclusion The present method describes a fast and efficient system to obtain well matured and functional myotubes in 2D culture allowing thorough analysis of single-cell Ca 2+ signals.