Identifying Graduation Rates and Practices in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program.

Graduation from permanent supported housing program (PSH) is an important part of individuals' recovery and rehabilitation, yet little research has examined this process. We examined graduation rates, practices and policies in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs-Housing and Urban Development Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program, the largest PSH program in the United States. We used HUD-VASH administrative data from Fiscal Years 2016-2020 to summarize graduation rates from the program. Using a template analysis approach to open-ended online surveys from 65 HUD-VASH program managers, we identified key themes related to graduation practices. Graduations accounted for 21% of all HUD-VASH exits across all years. Graduation practices and policies varied across HUD-VASH programs, and staff expressed interest in having additional data to support graduation decisions. There may be value in developing standards for graduation criteria that is shared with clients and providers in supported housing programs in order to titrate care appropriately and support client independence.

Templated Macroporous Polyethylene Glycol Hydrogels for Spheroid and Aggregate Cell Culture.

Macroporous cell-laden hydrogels have recently gained recognition for a wide range of biomedical and bioengineering applications. There are various approaches to create porosity in hydrogels, including lyophilization or foam formation. However, many do not allow a precise control over pore size or are not compatible with in situ cell encapsulation. Here, we developed novel templated macroporous hydrogels by encapsulating uniform degradable hydrogel microspheres produced via microfluidics into a hydrogel slab. The microspheres degraded completely leaving macropores behind. Microsphere degradation was dependent on the incubation medium, microsphere size, microsphere confinement in the hydrogel as well as cell encapsulation. Uniquely, the degradable microspheres were biocompatible and when laden with cells, the cells were deposited in the macropores upon microsphere degradation and formed multicellular aggregates. The hydrogel-encapsulated cell aggregates were used in a small drug screen to demonstrate the relevance of cell-matrix interactions for multicellular spheroid drug responsiveness. Hydrogel-grown spheroid cultures are increasingly important in applications such as in vitro tumor, hepatocellular, and neurosphere cultures and drug screening; hence, the templated cell aggregate-laden hydrogels described here would find utility in various applications.

Thermoresponsive Protein-Engineered Coiled-Coil Hydrogel for Sustained Small Molecule Release.

Thermoresponsive hydrogels are used for an array of biomedical applications. Lower critical solution temperature-type hydrogels have been observed in nature and extensively studied in comparison to upper critical solution temperature (UCST)-type hydrogels. Of the limited protein-based UCST-type hydrogels reported, none have been composed of a single coiled-coil domain. Here, we describe a biosynthesized homopentameric coiled-coil protein capable of demonstrating a UCST. Microscopy and structural analysis reveal that the hydrogel is stabilized by molecular entanglement of protein nanofibers, creating a porous matrix capable of binding the small hydrophobic molecule, curcumin. Curcumin binding increases the α-helical structure, fiber entanglement, mechanical integrity, and thermostability, resulting in sustained drug release at physiological temperature. This work provides the first example of a thermoresponsive hydrogel comprised of a single coiled-coil protein domain that can be used as a vehicle for sustained release and, by demonstrating UCST-type behavior, shows promise in forging a relationship between coiled-coil protein-phase behavior and that of synthetic polymer systems.

Efficient Dual siRNA and Drug Delivery Using Engineered Lipoproteoplexes.

An engineered supercharged coiled-coil protein (CSP) and the cationic transfection reagent Lipofectamine 2000 are combined to form a lipoproteoplex for the purpose of dual delivery of siRNA and doxorubicin. CSP, bearing an external positive charge and axial hydrophobic pore, demonstrates the ability to condense siRNA and encapsulate the small-molecule chemotherapeutic, doxorubicin. The lipoproteoplex demonstrates improved doxorubicin loading relative to Lipofectamine 2000. Furthermore, it induces effective transfection of GAPDH (60% knockdown) in MCF-7 breast cancer cells with efficiencies comparing favorably to Lipofectamine 2000. When the lipoproteoplex is loaded with doxorubicin, the improved doxorubicin loading (∼40 µg Dox/mg CSP) results in a substantial decrease in MCF-7 cell viability.

Vision and hearing deficits and associations with parent-reported behavioral and developmental problems in international adoptees.

To determine the occurrence of vision and hearing deficits in international adoptees and their associations with emotional, behavioral and cognitive problems. The Minnesota International Adoption Project (MnIAP) was a 556-item survey that was mailed to 2,969 parents who finalized an international adoption in Minnesota (MN) between January 1990 and December 1998 and whose children were between 4 and 18 years-old at the time of the survey. Families returned surveys for 1,906 children (64%); 1,005 had complete data for analyses. The survey included questions about the child's pre-adoption experiences and post-placement medical diagnoses, and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Multivariate logistic regression assessed associations between hearing and vision problems and problems identified by the CBCL. Information on hearing and vision screening and specific vision and hearing problems was also collected via a telephone survey (HVS) from 96/184 children (52%) seen between June 1999 and December 2000 at the University of Minnesota International Adoption Clinic. In both cohorts, 61% of children had been screened for vision problems and 59% for hearing problems. Among those children screened, vision (MnIAP = 25%, HVS = 31%) and hearing (MnIAP = 12%, HVS = 13%) problems were common. For MnIAP children, such problems were significant independent predictors for T scores >67 for the CBCL social problems and attention subscales and parent-reported, practitioner-diagnosed developmental delay, learning and speech/language problems, and cognitive impairment. Hearing and vision problems are common in international adoptees and screening and correction are available in the immediate post-arrival period. The importance of identifying vision and hearing problems cannot be overstated as they are risk factors for development and behavior problems.

Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus viral load in bronchoalveolar lavage as a diagnostic marker for pulmonary Kaposi sarcoma.

OBJECTIVE: Kaposi sarcoma is a vascular tumor that affects the pulmonary system. However, the diagnosis of airway lesions suggestive of pulmonary Kaposi sarcoma (pKS) is reliant on bronchoscopic visualization. We evaluated the role of Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) viral load in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) as a diagnostic biomarker in patients with bronchoscopic evidence of pKS and evaluated inflammatory cytokine profiles in BAL and blood samples. DESIGN: In this retrospective study, we evaluated KSHV viral load and cytokine profiles within BAL and blood samples in patients who underwent bronchoscopy for suspected pKS between 2016 and 2021. METHODS: KSHV viral load and cytokine profiles were obtained from both the circulation and BAL samples collected at the time of bronchoscopy to evaluate compartment-specific characteristics. BAL was centrifuged and stored as cell pellets and KSHV viral load was measured using primers for the KSHV K6 gene regions. RESULTS: We evaluated 38 BAL samples from 32 patients (30 with HIV co-infection) of whom 23 had pKS. In patients with airway lesions suggestive of pKS, there was higher KSHV viral load (median 3188 vs. 0 copies/10 6 cell equivalent; P  = 0.0047). A BAL KSHV viral load cutoff of 526 copies/10 6 cells had a sensitivity of 72% and specificity of 89% in determining lesions consistent with pKS. Those with pKS also had higher IL-1ß and IL-8 levels in BAL. The 3-year survival rate for pKS patients was 55%. CONCLUSION: KSHV viral load in BAL shows potential for aiding in pKS diagnosis. Patients with pKS also have evidence of cytokine dysregulation in BAL.

Housing instability and mental distress among US veterans.

Evidence has suggested increased risk for homelessness and suicide among US veterans, but little is known about the associations between housing instability and psychological distress (including suicidal ideation). We examined frequent mental distress (FMD) and suicidal ideation among a probability-based sample of 1767 Nebraska veterans who participated in the 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey who had and had not experienced housing instability in the past 12 months. Veterans experiencing housing instability had increased odds of FMD and suicidal ideation.

The Longitudinal Neurophysiological Adaptation of a Division I Female Lacrosse Player Following Anterior Cruciate Rupture and Repair: A Case Report.

Background: Neurophysiological adaptation following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture and repair (ACLR) is critical in establishing neural pathways during the rehabilitation process. However, there is limited objective measures available to assess neurological and physiological markers of rehabilitation. Purpose: To investigate the innovative use of quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) to monitor the longitudinal change in brain and central nervous systems activity while measuring musculoskeletal function during an anterior cruciate ligament repair rehabilitation. Case Description: A 19 year-old, right-handed, Division I NCAA female lacrosse midfielder suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture, with a tear to the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus of the right knee. Arthroscopic reconstruction utilizing a hamstring autograft and a 5% lateral meniscectomy was performed. An evidence-based ACLR rehabilitation protocol was implemented while using qEEG. Outcomes: Central nervous system, brain performance and musculoskeletal functional biomarkers were monitored longitudinally at three separate time points following anterior cruciate injury: twenty-four hours post ACL rupture, one month and 10 months following ACLR surgery. Biological markers of stress, recovery, brain workload, attention and physiological arousal levels yielded elevated stress determinants in the acute stages of injury and were accompanied with noted brain alterations. Brain and musculoskeletal dysfunction longitudinally reveal a neurophysiological acute compensation and recovering accommodations from time point one to three. Biological responses to stress, brain workload, arousal, attention and brain connectivity all improved over time. Discussion: The neurophysiological responses following acute ACL rupture demonstrates significant dysfunction and asymmetries neurocognitively and physiologically. Initial qEEG assessments revealed hypoconnectivity and brain state dysregulation. Progressive enhanced brain efficiency and functional task progressions associated with ACLR rehabilitation had notable simultaneous improvements. There may be a role for monitoring CNS/brain state throughout rehabilitation and return to play. Future studies should investigate the use of qEEG and neurophysiological properties in tandem during the rehabilitation progression and return to play.

Quantitative prediction of aspiration risk in head and neck cancer patients treated with radiation therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine characteristics most strongly associated with risk for aspiration events among head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing curative intent treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study of 106 patients with previously untreated HNC who received definitive or postoperative radiation therapy (RT) +/- systemic therapy with curative intent. Patients who received post-treatment videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) between 2018-2021 were included. Using ordinal multivariable logistic regression, we modeled the effects of age (>60 years vs. ≤60 years), sex, body mass index (BMI) (>20 kg/m2 vs. ≤20 kg/m2), American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th edition stage (I-II vs. III-IVB), treatment with cisplatin (vs. other or no systemic therapy), post-operative status, primary site (oral cavity vs. P16+ oropharynx vs. P16- Mucosal Site vs. other), and quantitative VFSS measures on Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) score. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: On ordinal multivariable logistic regression, age >60 years (odds ratio (OR): 3.91, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.29, 11.9), advanced stage (stage III-IVB) (OR: 3.13, 95% CI: 1.23, 7.79), pharyngeal constriction ratio (PCR) >0.25 (OR: 3.65, 95% CI: 1.14, 11.7), and bolus clearance ratio (BCR) > 0.10 (OR: 3.42, 95% CI: 1.20, 9.75) were found to be significant risk factors for higher PAS scores. Patients with ≥ 2 pre-treatment risk factors had statistically significant increased risk for post-treatment aspiration (OR 2.52, 95% CI: 1.31, 4.86) on ordinal logistic regression. This model could be useful to direct high-risk patients toward interventions designed to reduce risk of aspiration events.

Extracellular ATP may contribute to tissue repair by rapidly stimulating purinergic receptor X7-dependent vascular endothelial growth factor release from primary human monocytes.

Extracellular ATP has been proposed to act as a danger signal to alert the immune system of cell damage. Release of high local concentrations of ATP activates the nucleotide receptor, purinergic receptor X7 (P2RX7), on monocytic cells, which promotes the processing/release of proinflammatory mediators. Although the proinflammatory actions of P2RX7 are well recognized, little is known regarding the potential function of P2RX7 in repair responses. Because the resolution of inflammation is characterized by monocytic cell-dependent production of proangiogenic factors, we evaluated the contribution of P2RX7 to this process. We observed that both short-term and long-term P2RX7 activation promotes the robust release of vascular endothelial growth factor from primary human monocytes. This vascular endothelial growth factor release is calcium dependent and associated with reactive oxygen species production. This previously unrecognized action of P2RX7 suggests that it may not only participate in inflammation and cell death, but that it is also likely to be important in the control of angiogenesis and wound repair.

Effects of multisensory environments on stereotyped behaviours assessed as maintained by automatic reinforcement.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the sensory equipment provided in a multi-sensory environment (MSE) and the level of social contact provided on levels of stereotyped behaviours assessed as being maintained by automatic reinforcement. METHOD: Stereotyped and engaged behaviours of two young people with severe intellectual disabilities were observed while the participants were either in a living room or in a MSE and receiving either high or low levels of interaction from carers. RESULTS: For both participants, levels of stereotyped behaviour were lower in the MSE irrespective of the level of carer attention received, while levels of engagement were higher under conditions of high carer attention in both environments. CONCLUSIONS: The results are consistent with the hypothesis that reductions in stereotyped behaviour observed in MSEs are due to the increased levels of specific sensory stimulation provided by such environments.

Engineered Protein-Iron Oxide Hybrid Biomaterial for MRI-traceable Drug Encapsulation.

Labeled protein-based biomaterials have become a popular for various biomedical applications such as tissue-engineered, therapeutic, or diagnostic scaffolds. Labeling of protein biomaterials, including with ultrasmall super-paramagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) nanoparticles, has enabled a wide variety of imaging techniques. These USPIO-based biomaterials are widely studied in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), thermotherapy, and magnetically-driven drug delivery which provide a method for direct and non-invasive monitoring of implants or drug delivery agents. Where most developments have been made using polymers or collagen hydrogels, shown here is the use of a rationally designed protein as the building block for a meso-scale fiber. While USPIOs have been chemically conjugated to antibodies, glycoproteins, and tissue-engineered scaffolds for targeting or improved biocompatibility and stability, these constructs have predominantly served as diagnostic agents and often involve harsh conditions for USPIO synthesis. Here, we present an engineered protein-iron oxide hybrid material comprised of an azide-functionalized coiled-coil protein with small molecule binding capacity conjugated via bioorthogonal azide-alkyne cycloaddition to an alkyne-bearing iron oxide templating peptide, CMms6, for USPIO biomineralization under mild conditions. The coiled-coil protein, dubbed Q, has been previously shown to form nanofibers and, upon small molecule binding, further assembles into mesofibers via encapsulation and aggregation. The resulting hybrid material is capable of doxorubicin encapsulation as well as sensitive T2*-weighted MRI darkening for strong imaging capability that is uniquely derived from a coiled-coil protein.

Activation of the transcription factor FosB/activating protein-1 (AP-1) is a prominent downstream signal of the extracellular nucleotide receptor P2RX7 in monocytic and osteoblastic cells.

Activation of the ionotropic P2RX7 nucleotide receptor by extracellular ATP has been implicated in modulating inflammatory disease progression. Continuous exposure of P2RX7 to ligand can result in apoptosis in many cell types, including monocytic cells, whereas transient activation of P2RX7 is linked to inflammatory mediator production and the promotion of cell growth. Given the rapid hydrolysis of ATP in the circulation and interstitial space, transient activation of P2RX7 appears critically important for its action, yet its effects on gene expression are unclear. The present study demonstrates that short-term stimulation of human and mouse monocytic cells as well as mouse osteoblasts with P2RX7 agonists substantially induces the expression of several activating protein-1 (AP-1) members, particularly FosB. The potent activation of FosB after P2RX7 stimulation is especially noteworthy considering that little is known concerning the role of FosB in immunological regulation. Interestingly, the magnitude of FosB activation induced by P2RX7 stimulation appears greater than that observed with other known inducers of FosB expression. In addition, we have identified a previously unrecognized role for FosB in osteoblasts with respect to nucleotide-induced expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which is the rate-limiting enzyme in prostaglandin biosynthesis from arachidonic acid and is critical for osteoblastic differentiation and immune behavior. The present studies are the first to link P2RX7 action to FosB/AP-1 regulation in multiple cell types, including a role in nucleotide-induced COX-2 expression, and support a role for FosB in the control of immune and osteogenic function by P2RX7.

Mutation of putative N-linked glycosylation sites on the human nucleotide receptor P2X7 reveals a key residue important for receptor function.

The nucleotide receptor P2X(7) is an immunomodulatory cation channel and a potential therapeutic target. P2X(7) is expressed in immune cells such as monocytes and macrophages and is activated by extracellular ATP following tissue injury or infection. Ligand binding to P2X(7) can stimulate ERK1/2, the transcription factor CREB, enzymes linked to the production of reactive oxygen species and interleukin-1 isoforms, and the formation of a nonspecific pore. However, little is known about the biochemistry of P2X(7), including whether the receptor is N-linked glycosylated and if this modification affects receptor function. Here we provide evidence that P2X(7) is sensitive to the glycosidases EndoH and PNGase F and that the human receptor appears glycosylated at N187, N202, N213, N241, and N284. Mutation of N187 results in weakened P2X(7) agonist-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, CREB, and p90 ribosomal S6 kinase, as well as a decreased level of pore formation. In further support of a role for glycosylation in receptor function, treatment of RAW 264.7 macrophages with the N-linked glycosylation synthesis inhibitor tunicamycin attenuates P2X(7) agonist-induced, but not phorbol ester-induced, ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Interestingly, residue N187 belongs to an N-linked glycosylation consensus sequence found in six of the seven P2X family members, suggesting this site is fundamentally important to P2X receptor function. To address the mechanism whereby N187 mutation attenuates receptor activity, we developed a live cell proteinase K digestion assay that demonstrated altered cell surface expression of P2X(7) N187A. This is the first report to map human P2X(7) glycosylation sites and reveal residue N187 is critical for receptor trafficking and function.

Design of Hydrolytically Degradable Polyethylene Glycol Crosslinkers for Facile Control of Hydrogel Degradation.

Hydrogels, whose degradability can be controlled while also preserving cell viability or biomolecule stability, are in demand. Degradable polyethylene glycol crosslinkers are hydrolytically designed for use in hydrogels. Degradation is controlled by crosslinker chemical structure, such as introducing local hydrophobicity, steric hindrance, or electron-withdrawing moieties near a degradable ester moiety. Hydrogels made using these crosslinkers have gelation times from 1 to 22 min, storage moduli from 3 to 10 kPa, mesh sizes from 10 to 13 nm, and degradation times from 18 h to 16 d. However, when reaction conditions are modified to achieve similar gelation time, hydrogels have similar initial properties but preserve the wide range of degradation times. All crosslinkers support high cell viability upon hydrogel encapsulation or exposure to leachables and degradation products. This innovation in controlling degradation can help realize the hydrogels' potential for drug delivery or as matrices for cell encapsulation and transplantation.

Detection of Cerebrovascular Loss in the Normal Aging C57BL/6 Mouse Brain Using in vivo Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography.

Microvascular rarefaction, or the decrease in vascular density, has been described in the cerebrovasculature of aging humans, rats, and, more recently, mice in the presence and absence of age-dependent diseases. Given the wide use of mice in modeling age-dependent human diseases of the cerebrovasculature, visualization, and quantification of the global murine cerebrovasculature is necessary for establishing the baseline changes that occur with aging. To provide in vivo whole-brain imaging of the cerebrovasculature in aging C57BL/6 mice longitudinally, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) was employed using a house-made gadolinium-bearing micellar blood pool agent. Enhancement in the vascular space permitted quantification of the detectable, or apparent, cerebral blood volume (aCBV), which was analyzed over 2 years of aging and compared to histological analysis of the cerebrovascular density. A significant loss in the aCBV was detected by CE-MRA over the aging period. Histological analysis via vessel-probing immunohistochemistry confirmed a significant loss in the cerebrovascular density over the same 2-year aging period, validating the CE-MRA findings. While these techniques use widely different methods of assessment and spatial resolutions, their comparable findings in detected vascular loss corroborate the growing body of literature describing vascular rarefaction aging. These findings suggest that such age-dependent changes can contribute to cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, which are modeled using wild-type and transgenic laboratory rodents.

Protein-Engineered Nanoscale Micelles for Dynamic 19F Magnetic Resonance and Therapeutic Drug Delivery.

Engineered proteins provide an interesting template for designing fluorine-19 (19F) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, yet progress has been hindered by the unpredictable relaxation properties of fluorine. Herein, we present the biosynthesis of a protein block copolymer, termed "fluorinated thermoresponsive assembled protein" (F-TRAP), which assembles into a monodisperse nanoscale micelle with interesting 19F NMR properties and the ability to encapsulate and release small therapeutic molecules, imparting potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic (theranostic) agent. The assembly of the F-TRAP micelle, composed of a coiled-coil pentamer corona and a hydrophobic, thermoresponsive elastin-like polypeptide core, results in a drastic depression in spin-spin relaxation ( T2) times and unaffected spin-lattice relaxation ( T1) times. The nearly unchanging T1 relaxation rates and linearly dependent T2 relaxation rates have allowed for detection via zero echo time 19F MRI, and the in vivo MR potential has been preliminarily explored using 19F magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). This fluorinated micelle has also demonstrated the ability to encapsulate the small-molecule chemotherapeutic doxorubicin and release its cargo in a thermoresponsive manner owing to its inherent stimuli-responsive properties, presenting an interesting avenue for the development of thermoresponsive 19F MRI/MRS-traceable theranostic agents.

Differential regulation of estrogen-inducible proteolysis and transcription by the estrogen receptor alpha N terminus.

The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway has emerged as an important regulatory mechanism governing the activity of several transcription factors. While estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) is also subjected to rapid ubiquitin-proteasome degradation, the relationship between proteolysis and transcriptional regulation is incompletely understood. Based on studies primarily focusing on the C-terminal ligand-binding and AF-2 transactivation domains, an assembly of an active transcriptional complex has been proposed to signal ERalpha proteolysis that is in turn necessary for its transcriptional activity. Here, we investigated the role of other regions of ERalpha and identified S118 within the N-terminal AF-1 transactivation domain as an additional element for regulating estrogen-induced ubiquitination and degradation of ERalpha. Significantly, different S118 mutants revealed that degradation and transcriptional activity of ERalpha are mechanistically separable functions of ERalpha. We find that proteolysis of ERalpha correlates with the ability of ERalpha mutants to recruit specific ubiquitin ligases regardless of the recruitment of other transcription-related factors to endogenous model target genes. Thus, our findings indicate that the AF-1 domain performs a previously unrecognized and important role in controlling ligand-induced receptor degradation which permits the uncoupling of estrogen-regulated ERalpha proteolysis and transcription.

In Vivo Evaluation of Neuronal Transport in Murine Models of Neurodegeneration Using Manganese-Enhanced MRI.

Manganese-enhanced MRI (MRI) is a technique that allows for a noninvasive in vivo estimation of neuronal transport. It relies on the physicochemical properties of manganese, which is both a calcium analogue being transported along neurons by active transport, and a paramagnetic compound that can be detected on conventional T1-weighted images. Here, we report a multi-session MEMRI protocol that helps establish time-dependent curves relating to neuronal transport along the olfactory tract over several days. The characterization of these curves via unbiased fitting enables us to infer objectively a set of three parameters (the rate of manganese transport from the maximum slope, the peak intensity, and the time to peak intensity). These parameters, measured previously in wild type mice during normal aging, have served as a baseline to demonstrate their significant sensitivity to pathogenic processes associated with Tau pathology. Importantly, the evaluation of these three parameters and their use as indicators can be extended to monitor any normal and pathogenic processes where neuronal transport is altered. This approach can be applied to characterize and quantify the effect of any neurological disease conditions on neuronal transport in animal models, together with the efficacy of potential therapies.

Laminin-111 functionalized polyethylene glycol hydrogels support myogenic activity in vitro.

Skeletal muscle has a remarkable regenerative capability following mild physical or chemical insult. However, following a critical loss of muscle tissue, the regeneration process is impaired due to the inadequate myogenic activity of muscle resident stem cells (i.e., satellite cells). Laminin (LM) is a heterotrimeric structural protein in the satellite cell niche that is crucial for maintaining its function. In this study, we created hydrogels composed of poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) and LM-111 to provide an elastic substrate for satellite cell proliferation at the site of injury. The PEG-LM111 conjugates were mixed with 5% and 10% (w/v) pure PEG-diacrylate (PEGDA) and photopolymerized to form 5% and 10% PEGLM gels. Pure 5% and 10% PEGDA gels were used as controls. The modulus of both hydrogels containing 10% (w/v) PEGDA was significantly higher than the hydrogels containing 5% (w/v) PEGDA. The 5% PEGLM hydrogels showed significantly higher swelling in aqueous medium suggesting a more porous structure. C2C12 myoblasts cultured on the softer 5% PEGLM hydrogels showed a flat and spread-out morphology when compared to the rounded, multicell clusters formed on the 5% PEGDA, 10% PEGDA, and 10% PEGLM hydrogels. The 5% PEGLM hydrogels also promoted a significant increase in both vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production from the myoblasts. Additionally, the expression of MyoD was significantly higher while that of myogenin and α-actinin trended higher on the 5% PEGLM hydrogels compared to 5% PEGDA on day 5. Our data suggests that the introduction of LM-111 into compliant PEG hydrogels promoted myoblast adhesion, survival, pro-regenerative growth factor production, and myogenic activity.