Microgel macromolecular concentration alters the elastic modulus of the cell-embedded microgels and localization of YAP/TAZ. (A) Immunostaining of YAP/TAZ (green), cytoskeleton (red), and nucleus (blue) of hMSCs in 1-, 2-, and 3-mg⋅mL−1 microgels at 24 and 96 h. Magnification 20×, (Scale bars, 100 µm.) (B) Changes observed in cell morphology and YAP/TAZ (green) localization, cytoskeleton (red), and nucleus (blue) of hMSCs in 1-, 2-, and 3-mg⋅mL−1 microgels at 96 h. (Magnification: 40×.) (Scale bars, 100 µm.) (C) Quantification of cytoplasmic or nuclear YAP/TAZ colocalized with the cytoplasm (Phalloidin) or nucleus (DAPI) using Pearson’s coefficient for colocalization. Significant increase in nuclear YAP/TAZ colocalization was observed in 1 and 3 mg⋅mL−1 (n = 4). (D) Elastic moduli of hMSC-seeded microgels (1, 2, and 3 mg⋅mL−1) measures via AFM. Significant increase in elastic modulus was observed in 1 and 3 mg⋅mL−1 at 96 h. *P < 0.05.