Engineered extracellular matrices: emerging strategies for decoupling structural and molecular signals that regulate epithelial branching morphogenesis.

TitleEngineered extracellular matrices: emerging strategies for decoupling structural and molecular signals that regulate epithelial branching morphogenesis.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsNerger, BA, Nelson, CM
JournalCurr Opin Biomed Eng
Volume13
Pagination103-112
Date Published2020 Mar
ISSN2468-4511
Abstract

<p>The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a heterogeneous mixture of proteoglycans and fibrous proteins that form the non-cellular component of tissues and organs. During normal development, homeostasis, and disease progression, the ECM provides dynamic structural and molecular signals that influence the form and function of individual cells and multicellular tissues. Here, we review recent developments in the design and fabrication of engineered ECMs and the application of these systems to study the morphogenesis of epithelial tissues. We emphasize emerging techniques for reproducing the structural and molecular complexity of native ECM, and we highlight how these techniques may be used to decouple the different signals that drive epithelial morphogenesis. Engineered models of native ECM will enable further investigation of the dynamic mechanisms by which the microenvironment influences tissue morphogenesis.</p>

DOI10.1016/j.cobme.2019.12.013
Alternate JournalCurr Opin Biomed Eng
PubMed ID32864528
PubMed Central IDPMC7451493
Grant ListR01 CA187692 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
R01 HD099030 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
R01 HL120142 / HL / NHLBI NIH HHS / United States
R21 HL118532 / HL / NHLBI NIH HHS / United States