2/19 – Andrew J. Putnam, University of Michigan
February 19, 2021
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Address
Chicago, IL
Calendar
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Title: Matrix, mechanics, and morphogenesis
Abstract: The field of regenerative medicine has witnessed impressive advances over the past 25-30 years, moving us ever closer to the goal of translating engineered tissue constructs into human patients. However, despite an exponentially-expanding literature documenting advances in biomaterials and stem cell biology, the two biggest factors limiting the clinical applicability of engineered tissues 20 years ago continue to be the biggest hurdles today: the ability to generate tissues that function equivalently to the native tissues they are intended to replace, and the ability to vascularize these tissues to sustain their metabolic demands. Both of these challenges require an improved fundamental understanding of the mechanisms by which cells sense and respond to instructive cues present within their microenvironment. The intrinsic mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) represent one such cue, and there is clear evidence that ECM mechanics influence cells in both 2D and 3D. However, the impact of ECM mechanics on morphogenesis in 3D remains unclear, due in part to the lack of tools to measure mechanics locally and materials that enable mechanics to be tuned independently of other cues. In this seminar, I will describe some of our efforts to better understand the roles of ECM mechanics, and the microenvironment more broadly, on both vascular and and cardiac regeneration. In addition, I will discuss our efforts to translate these mechanistic insights into functional tissues in vivo.
Date posted
Jan 27, 2021
Date updated
Feb 8, 2021