Comprehension of ECM-cell dynamics: a prerequisite for tissue regeneration

Tissue regeneration and cell therapy have an enormous potential in healthcare through the creation of artificial human tissues and organs. The possibility of producing functional replica of tissues and organs can offer a common, solitary solution for various kinds of inflictions. It can also provide an ultimate test model for drug discovery. There exists convincing evidence that if cells are cultured in extra-cellular matrix (ECM) mimicking 3D scaffolds infused with tissue-specific biochemical cues they grow and differentiate to express functionality. However, comprehensive understanding of ECM and its dynamic relation with the growing cells is vital for creating functional tissue models ex vivo. Different medical and non-medical groups all over the world are working towards achieving affordable, user friendly and technically viable solutions for improving our understanding of Cell-ECM dynamics for tissue engineering (TE). Successful TE, an ambitious goal that includes tissue neogenesis in vitro and functional tissue mending (regenerative medicine) in vivo, however involves innumerable challenges. Present review discusses some of the major technical hurdles that hinder the pace of progress in tissue regeneration/engineering (TE).