Cell-Matrix Interactions

Within native tissues cells reside in the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM represents a complex 3D environment that stores numerous biophysical and biochemical signals. Cell-ECM interactions modulate cell fate (adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, migration) and play a crucial role in tissue mechanotransduction and development. Here we aim to generate mechanistic understandings of cell-matrix interactions in engineered 3D matrices and then apply this knowledge to generate functional bone tissues in vitro for both basic and translational research. To this end, we build artifical ECM hydrogels with fine-tuned physicochemical properties to investigate how various matrix factors affect cell fate independently and how these interactions contribute to in vitro bone formation.