Extracellular matrix bioscaffolds in tissue remodeling and morphogenesis

Abstract

During normal morphogenesis the extracellular matrix (ECM) influences cell motility, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. Tissue engineers have attempted to harness the cell signaling potential of ECM to promote the functional reconstruction, if not regeneration, of injured or missing adult tissues that otherwise heal by the formation of scar tissue. ECM bioscaffolds, derived from decellularized tissues, have been used to promote the formation of site appropriate, functional tissues in many clinical applications including skeletal muscle, fibrocartilage, lower urinary tract, and esophageal reconstruction, among others. These scaffolds function by the release or exposure of growth factors and cryptic peptides, modulation of the immune response, and recruitment of progenitor cells. Herein, we describe this process of ECM induced constructive remodeling and examine similarities to normal tissue morphogenesis.

Tendon injury and repair – A perspective on the basic mechanisms of tendon disease and future clinical therapy

“…This review is far from comprehensive, and we refer the interested reader to excellent focused reviews [187,[211][212][213].…”

Long-term retention of ECM hydrogel after implantation into a sub-acute stroke cavity reduces lesion volume

“…ECM hydrogels consist of solubilized and repolymerized ECM and contain signaling molecules that can influence cell differentiation [9]. In contrast, synthetic scaffolds, such as polyethylene glyocol (PEG) hydrogels, typically require functionalization to achieve similar repair properties [10, 11].…”

“…Biodegradation studies reveal that this process is fairly rapid, with approximately half of the material being remodeled within 30 days and a complete replacement being noted between 75-90 days post-implantation in several peripheral tissue locations [14-18]. The ECM bioscaffold provides the substrate for cell invasion, but the degradation of the scaffold is an essential process for the release of additional signaling molecules, positioning of host-derived stem cells and the deposition of new matrix derived from host-organ cells [9, 19]. The biodegradation process of bioscaffolds can also be exploited to deliver therapeutic factors to the peri-infarct area to influence host remodeling or the inflammatory response.…”

Preparation of a nano- and micro-fibrous decellularized scaffold seeded with autologous mesenchymal stem cells for inguinal hernia repair

“…[26][27][28] Nanobiomaterials have been considered better candidates than the traditional tissue engineering scaffolds because these nanoscale biomaterials can effectively mimic the characters of natural tissues, in which cells directly contact their surrounding nanoscale ECM, which exerts a key role in supplying mechanical support, directing cell adhesion and growth, as well as regulating tissue development, homeostasis, and regeneration. 29,30 In the interest of simulating more chemical and biological components of the natural ECM, various electrospun nanoscale scaffolds have been fabricated to imitate the topography of natural ECM for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. 30,31 However, most of these nanometer-grade scaffolds are prepared with synthetic materials or natural polymer blends, which are not able to adequately simulate the complex morphology and composition of natural ECM.…”