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Engineered extracellular matrices: emerging strategies for decoupling structural and molecular signals that regulate
Bryan A Nerger1, Celeste M Nelson1,2
1Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544.
Current Opinion in Biomedical Engineering
|September 1, 2020
Summary
Engineered extracellular matrix (ECM) models mimic natural tissue environments, aiding the study of how cells develop and form tissues. These advanced biomaterials help researchers understand tissue morphogenesis and the microenvironment's role.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Developmental Biology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- The extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial for tissue structure and cellular signaling.
- ECM dynamics influence cell behavior during development, homeostasis, and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in engineered ECMs for studying epithelial tissue morphogenesis.
- To highlight techniques for replicating native ECM complexity and isolating developmental signals.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on engineered ECM design and fabrication.
- Emphasis on emerging techniques for mimicking structural and molecular ECM features.
Main Results:
- Engineered ECMs offer sophisticated platforms to study cell-tissue interactions.
- New fabrication methods allow for precise control over ECM microenvironments.
Conclusions:
- Engineered ECM models are vital for dissecting the microenvironmental cues driving tissue morphogenesis.
- Further research using these models will illuminate dynamic mechanisms of tissue development.
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