News from the Engineering Cells & Their Microenvirontments SIG ADVANCES IN ENGINEERING THE COMPLEXITY OF THE CELLULAR MICROENVIRONMENT

摘要

The in vivo microenvironment is complex and dynamic, with cells continually communicating with each other and the extracellular matrix (ECM) through both soluble and insoluble signaling mechanisms. In order to better understand these interactions, researchers have developed a range of in vitro systems that better recapitulate the physical, mechanical and biochemical properties found in vivo. Importantly, these techniques also enable scientists to selectively perturb the microenvironment to better understand how cells interpret these signals and how they respond to their disruption, often with the goal of mimicking known disease states. Recent advances from literature focus on how the microenvironment can be engineered in novel ways to better mimic in vivo conditions, as well as purposely drive cells toward specific, controlled responses.