Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program
CELL SIGNALING IN SYNTHESTIC ENVIRONMENTS FOR ENGINEERED TISSUES
Communication, or signaling, among cell populations is a process that has been widely investigated in scientific literature. However, little is known about how cells communicate with one another when they exist within a synthetic material. Clearly, the different environment that the transplanted cells experience must affect their typical processes. Furthermore, the movement of signals from signaling cells to receiving cells will certainly be different in synthetic biomaterials than in normal tissue. Therefore, we propose to examine these processes in biomaterials, so as to direct the development of constructs for successful cell transplantation. To this end, we propose experiments that try to discern the effect of different biomaterial properties on the signaling of cell populations. Using a rational design, we first examine biomaterials characteristics that augment the synthesis of signals. Next we examine properties that control the movement of these signals between cells. Finally, we contrast the effects of signal synthesis and movement to understand their ability to control cell function. The successful completion of the proposed work will be an exciting, new approach for the development of cartilage tissue as well as other tissues.
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