Title: Engineered tissues as germs of regeneration

Abstract: Cellular grafts for the regeneration of cartilage and bone have been engineered using a variety of cell sources, scaffolds and manufacturing systems. Clinical implementation of some of these approaches by the own group has led to promising outcome results (Fulco+, Lancet 2014; Mumme+, Lancet 2016; Saxer+, Stem Cells 2016), but is still associated with manufacturing and robustness challenges. Alternative strategies have been conceived to gain repeatability of processes, by delivering signals capable to recapitulate developmental events, with proofs of principle in the context of bone and cartilage regeneration (Scotti+, PNAS 2013; Occhetta+, PNAS 2018). Along this line, it was identified that regeneration-inductive signals may not require living cells to be efficiently delivered, but could be encoded in cell-laid and subsequently devitalized extracellular matrices (Bourgine+, PNAS 2014; Bourgine+, Adv Funct Mater 2017). The combination of multiple cytokines and morphogens, physiologically presented by a set of extracellular matrix molecules, would synergistically potentiate their effects. This new class of off-the-shelf biomaterials, which would function by offering the primordial template for the development of the target tissue, may offer an alternative strategy to synthetic matrices. These cell-free extracellular matrices, as germs for de novo tissue development, could be generated based on highly standardized processes, thanks to the use of cell lines and bioreactor-based systems, and at the same time customized to address specific disease stages and patient profiles, in a perspective of personalized medicine (Haumer+, Adv Drug Del Rev 2017).

 

Tissue Engineering: Martin Lab Research Summary

From 3D culture models to regenerative surgery

The common denominator of the research projects in the group is related to the establishment of 3D cell culture systems, combining interdisciplinary efforts in cell biology, engineering technologies, and materials science. These systems are used as models to investigate fundamental aspects of tissue development and as grafts to induce tissue regeneration. Several collaborations have been established within the DBM, with the Institute of Pathology, and with the D-BSSE, ETH Zürich to employ the developed tools for 3D culture of tumor cells (Prof. M. Bentires-Aji, Prof. G. Hutter, Prof. Y. Benenson, PD Dr. med. Berger, Dr. Le Magnen), endothelial cells (Prof. A. Banfi), thymic epithelial cells (Prof. G. Holländer), glial cells (Prof. R. Guzman), omental-derived cells (Prof. V. Heinzelmann), pancreatic cells (Prof. M. Fusseneger), and cardiac cells (PD Dr. A. Marsano). However, the main focus has been maintained around the development of cartilage and bone/bone marrow tissues. Following is a short summary of recent achievements in these research areas.

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A 'Tea with the Speaker' will follow this seminar, where Pathway 2/PGR staff and students are warmly encouraged to join in an informal discussion with the speaker following their talk.