Modifiable hydrogels have revealed tremendous insight into how physical characteristics of cells’ 3D environment drive stem cell lineage specification. However, in native tissues, cells do not passively receive signals from their niche. Instead they actively probe and modify their pericellular space to suit their needs, yet the dynamics of cells’ reciprocal interactions with their pericellular environment when encapsulated within hydrogels remains relatively unexplored. Here, we show that human bone marrow stromal cells (hMSC) encapsulated within hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels modify their surroundings by synthesizing, secreting and arranging proteins pericellularly or by degrading the hydrogel. hMSC’s interactions with this local environment have a role in regulating hMSC fate, with a secreted proteinaceous pericellular matrix associated with adipogenesis, and degradation with osteogenesis. Our observations suggest that hMSC participate in a bi-directional interplay between the properties of their 3D milieu and their own secreted pericellular matrix, and that this combination of interactions drives fate.

The original version of this Article contained an error in the author affiliations. The affiliation of Marjan Enayati with ‘Ludwig Boltzmann Cluster for Cardiovascular Research at the Center for Biomedical Research, Medical University of Vienna, Austria' was inadvertently omitted. This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.

In the original version of this Article the dataset identifier in the Data Availability statement was incorrect. The correct dataset identifier is PXD009500. This has been corrected in the HTML and PDF versions of this Article.

The rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India necessitates more studies on nutritional intake and dietary behaviour. While data exists on low-income groups, rural populations and the population at large, limited information exists on that of urban, working professionals – a demographic that has the means and access to make informed choices, and yet, have a disproportionately high risk of NCDs. The aim of this study was to investigate nutrient intake in Indian professionals. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 214 working professionals (aged 30-40 years; 69 females and 145 males) in Mumbai. Habitual food intake was investigated by two 24-hour recalls and a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Nutrient adequacy ratios were calculated in comparison to Indian estimated average requirements. Compared to recommendations, a lower total energy and carbohydrate intake, while a higher protein and fat intake was observed among the participants. However, the intake of omega-3 fats, and overall fruit and vegetable intake was poor. A significantly higher energy from proteins and fats was observed among non-vegetarians, while vegetarians consumed more energy from carbohydrates. Insufficient intake of vitamins and minerals was prevalent with over 50% of study participants consuming <50% of their required intake of Vitamin A, B12, folate, riboflavin, zinc and potassium. Intake of copper, pyridoxine and iron were also suboptimal. To conclude, the insufficient intake of micronutrient and macronutrient imbalances in the studied population, highlights the urgency of targeted nutritional interventions and education in urban, corporate populations in India, to mitigate the risk of NCDs.