Probing the Cellular
Microenvironment Using Photolabile Networks
In native tissue, cells interact not only with one another,
but also with the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). Cells sense this
microenvironment through integrin binding with ECM proteins, such as collagen,
laminin, and fibronectin. This complex relationship with the surrounding
environment dictates how cells interpret biochemical cues and ultimately
influences each cells phenotypic fate. Hydrogel scaffolds, used ubiquitously in
the field of tissue engineering, offer a useful three-dimensional template in
which to study the effect of the cellular microenvironment on phenotypic fate.
In particular, we are studying this complex interaction using a photolytic
hydrogel developed in the Anseth lab. This platform allows for both spatial and
temporal control of ECM properties in vitro so that the introduction and/or
removal of exogenous growth factors, the matrix elasticity, and the network
geometry can be controlled in real-time. Investigating cellular systems in these
platforms allow us to understand how the microenvironment dictates progenitor
cell differentiation, cell function, and cell viability. Ultimately, a deeper
understanding of cell-ECM interactions allows for more rational design of
scaffolds for tissue regeneration and for in vitro study of complex cellular
systems.
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