Scientists Build Human Tissue on Animal Matrix
The focus of Dr. Stephen Badylak’s pioneering work has revolved around the structure and composition of naturally occurring ECM, and the signaling provided by this matrix to host cells toward functional tissue reconstruction.
The question has always been, if a gecko can grow back its tail, why can't we regenerate our lost body parts? Well, maybe we can, someday. Scientists are moving towards the ability to rebuild fully functioning organs, and have made significant progress replacing muscles and other tissue.
The use of mammalian extracellular matrix (ECM) or its derivatives as an inductive template for constructive remodeling of tissue is a common theme of most research activities in the laboratory of McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine deputy director Stephen Badylak, DVM, PhD, MD (pictured), professor in the Department of Surgery and director of the Center for Pre-Clinical Tissue Engineering within the McGowan Institute. The focus of Dr. Badylak’s pioneering work has revolved around the structure and composition of naturally occurring ECM, and the signaling provided by this matrix to host cells toward functional tissue reconstruction. Dr. Badylak places high emphasis upon clinical translation of all activities in his laboratory, and work conducted there spans the full spectrum from basic science at the sub-cellular level to patient care at the bed side.
Recently, George Putic of Voice of America interviewed Dr. Badylak about replacing muscles and other tissue with ECM. Watch the interview here .
Active research projects in the Badylak Lab include:
Read more…
Voice of America Interview with Dr. Stephen Badylak (04/26/16)
Bio: Dr. Stephen Badylak
The use of mammalian extracellular matrix (ECM) or its derivatives as an inductive template for constructive remodeling of tissue is a common theme of most research activities in the laboratory of McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine deputy director Stephen Badylak, DVM, PhD, MD (pictured), professor in the Department of Surgery and director of the Center for Pre-Clinical Tissue Engineering within the McGowan Institute. The focus of Dr. Badylak’s pioneering work has revolved around the structure and composition of naturally occurring ECM, and the signaling provided by this matrix to host cells toward functional tissue reconstruction. Dr. Badylak places high emphasis upon clinical translation of all activities in his laboratory, and work conducted there spans the full spectrum from basic science at the sub-cellular level to patient care at the bed side.
Recently, George Putic of Voice of America interviewed Dr. Badylak about replacing muscles and other tissue with ECM. Watch the interview here .
Active research projects in the Badylak Lab include:
- CNS tissue engineering – MCAo stroke model
- Whole organ engineering with emphasis upon liver and lung
- Mechanisms of matrix scaffold remodeling in esophageal, tracheal, cardiovascular, lower urinary tract and musculotendinous tissue reconstruction
- Immune response of mammals to xenogeneic scaffolds
- Autologous stem cell recruitment in vivo during tissue reconstruction
- Degradation of ECM scaffolds and role of bioactive cryptic peptides in the remodeling process
- Mechanobiology and its relationship to tissue reconstruction
- Development of 3-dimensional bioscaffolds for liver and heart regeneration
- Regenerative Medicine for Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disc reconstruction
- Limb and digit regeneration – BioDome studies
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Plastic and reconstructive surgery
- Reproductive tissue engineering
- Optic nerve regeneration
Read more…
Voice of America Interview with Dr. Stephen Badylak (04/26/16)
Bio: Dr. Stephen Badylak