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Three-Dimensional Modeling of the Structural Microenvironment in Post-Traumatic War Wounds
Gregory T Christopherson1,2, Jaira F de Vasconcellos2,3,4, John C Dunn2
1Orthopaedic Research Group, National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
|August 7, 2021
Summary
The disorganized collagen matrix in war wounds promotes ectopic bone formation, contributing to post-traumatic heterotopic ossification (HO). Understanding this microenvironment may lead to new prevention strategies for HO.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Post-traumatic heterotopic ossification (HO) is a frequent complication of high-energy extremity injuries.
- The role of the structural microenvironment in HO pathogenesis is not well understood.
- Investigating wound healing changes may reveal novel therapeutic targets for HO.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the structural microenvironment of traumatic war wounds.
- To model this microenvironment using a biomimetic scaffold.
- To assess progenitor cell behavior within the modeled microenvironment.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution microscopy and biochemical analysis of war wound tissues.
- Electrospinning technique to create a 3D type I collagen scaffold.
- Evaluation of mesenchymal progenitor cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation.
Main Results:
- Traumatic war wounds exhibit a disorganized, densely fibrotic collagen I matrix.
- This matrix significantly influences progenitor cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation.
- The biomimetic scaffold replicated key features of the wound microenvironment.
Conclusions:
- The structural microenvironment of traumatic wounds can drive the development of heterotopic ossification.
- Findings suggest that modulating the wound microenvironment could be a therapeutic strategy for HO.
- This research provides insights into the pathogenesis of post-traumatic HO.
