The University of Rochester’s Department of Biomedical Engineering is conducting pioneering research into the mechanical signals that guide the development of tissues and organs. This investigation, led by Assistant Professor Marisol Herrera-Perez, is funded by a $2 million grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, part of the National Institutes of Health. The study focuses on how cells interact with the extracellular matrix, a biological polymer that acts as scaffolding for complex structures.
Herrera-Perez highlights the significance of these mechanical signals, stating, “Most of what we know about the mechanical signals for cellular development are those the cell produces itself, like when it twitches or contracts. But there are other forces that come from the environment and, perhaps most importantly, from the extracellular matrix.”
The research team will explore the viscoelastic properties of the extracellular matrix, its dynamic changes during development, and the feedback mechanisms between cells and the matrix. Utilizing optogenetic techniques, they will manipulate proteins in fruit fly cells to observe developmental effects.
Understanding these fundamental principles is critical, as they could offer insights into developmental diseases, which are inherently challenging to study. Herrera-Perez notes that many midlife or end-of-life diseases, such as cancer or failed wound healing, are recapitulations of developmental processes gone awry. This research could also have practical applications in regenerative medicine, offering potential solutions for such diseases.
For further information, please refer to the University of Rochester’s official announcement.
