Rotation Projects

The Sculpting Regeneration lab is developing advanced therapeutics against tissue injury, degeneration and fibrosis. Target organs include the bone marrow, bones, and lungs. To achieve this goal, we seek to understand ‘cell biology in context’ – unlike typical cell culture plastics, cells interact with their microenvironments in the body. In particular, we are studying how various types of signals from the extracellular matrix are integrated to direct the fate of regenerative cells and their ability to communicate with the host in the context of immunomodulation and tissue remodeling. We develop a wide range of cutting-edge technologies, including designer matrices that can precisely recapitulate specific properties of stem cell niches down to the single cell level, which can be leveraged for both fundamental studies and therapeutic applications in various animal disease models. We tailor each rotation project based on students’ interests and backgrounds. Here are key research themes of the lab:

1. Biomaterial design for single cell mechanobiology and encapsulation therapy: We are combining biomaterial design with microtechnologies to precisely control matrix properties at the single cell level and to advance the field of single cell mechanobiology and encapsulation therapy. Rotation students will gain exposure to droplet-based microfluidics for single cell encapsulation in miniaturized designer matrices and imaging to analyze single cell-matrix interactions. Wong et al. Inhibition of aberrant tissue remodeling by mesenchymal stromal cells singly coated with soft gels presenting defined chemomechanical cues. Nature Biomedical Engineering 2021. https://bit.ly/3zAwWoH

2. Physical regulation of stromal cells in immunity and immunotherapy: We are leveraging designer hydrogels to understand how matrix biophysical cues impact the ability of stromal cells to regulate immune cells and using these insights to improve immunomodulatory therapies that can potentially result in tissue regeneration. Rotation students will gain exposure to encapsulation of mesenchymal stromal cells in 3D hydrogel culture with tunable properties and different approaches to characterize mechanosignaling that regulates the production of immunomodulatory molecules. Wong et al. Soft extracellular matrix enhances inflammatory activation of mesenchymal stromal cells to induce monocyte production and trafficking. Science Advances 2020; 6: eaaw0158. https://bit.ly/2S3cbRH

3. Extracellular vesicles in matrices: We are studying how extracellular vesicles are produced from cells in matrices and transport through matrices. We are using these insights to improve extracellular vesicle-based therapeutics for acute and chronic tissue injuries. Rotation students will gain exposure to isolation and quantification of extracellular vesicles, and different approaches to study production or transport of extracellular vesicles in designer matrices. Lenzini et al. Matrix mechanics and water permeation regulate extracellular vesicle transport. Nature Nanotechnology 2020; 15: 217-223. https://bit.ly/2S5aR0M

Soft matrix inflammatory activation.pdf

Inhibition Of Aberrant Tissue Remodelling

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