The native extracellular microenvironment dynamically remodels as cells synthesize, assemble, and remodel their surroundings during tissue development, injury, and repair. In my research group, we use engineered systems to both probe mechanisms of cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions (e.g., mechanobiology) and to guide cell function towards therapeutic behaviors (e.g., tissue repair/regeneration). In this seminar, I will share our recent efforts to visualize and identify the composition of secreted ECM to better understand cellular responses and to design programmable soft materials that harness dynamic cell-ECM interactions.
We have used these systems to reproduce folding morphologies of epithelial tissues (e.g., airway constriction), and to manipulate secreted ECM components as means to better understand the evolution of matrix in organ development (using lung organoids) and repair (using ex vivo lung tissue). Our evolving understanding of matrix dynamics and turnover will not only open up new avenues for understanding biological mechanisms but will also allow us to design better materials systems for therapeutic interventions.