Collection

Extracellular Matrix Biology: Extracellular Matrix-inspired Biomaterials for Tissue Repair and Regeneration

Submission status
Closed

This Collection seeks to provide a state-of-the-art account on how extracellular matrix (ECM) science is interfacing with biomaterials research to develop therapeutic microenvironments that direct cell function to promote tissue regeneration.

In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that combining a deep understanding of ECM biology with biomaterial development is a promising approach to develop systems that promote tissue regeneration. In addition to providing a structural support to the tissue, the native ECM is a highly dynamic microenvironment that plays a critical role in regulating a range of cellular processes including migration and growth factor signalling. From a matrix biology perspective, it is a formidable platform to apply fundamental ECM knowledge and insights to address the problem of diseased, non-regenerating tissues, i.e. developing synthetic microenvironments inspired by native ECM to direct cell function and promote tissue regeneration, which is what we aim to highlight with this Collection.

The basis of this Collection is also underpinned by the collaborative research that the co-editors have undertaken. With FQ coming from a classical ECM background and SB from a bioengineering/biomaterials background, we aim to synergistically combine our expertise to develop biomaterials systems inspired by the ECM to enhance tissue regeneration. Therefore, we are particularly keen in taking up this task to highlight this exciting field by compiling this Collection.

We welcome submissions of Original Research papers and of Review papers.

This Collection belongs to the Extracellular Matrix Biology section of Molecular Biology Reports, managed by Section Editor Nikos Karamanos.

Editors

  • Prof. Fabio Quondamatteo Prof. Fabio Quondamatteo  &

    Prof. Fabio Quondamatteo

    Prof. Quondamatteo is Associate Professor in Anatomy at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Secretary of the European Federation for Experimental Morphology (EFEM), Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology, Fellow of the Anatomical Society, and a member of various other international Societies. He served as a Councillor of the Anatomical Society from Dec 2013 - Jan 2022. Research interests focus on ultrastructure of Extracellular Matrix and Basement Membrane and skin structure, especially at ultrastructural level, and also on clinical aspects of anatomy.

  • Dr. Shane Browne Dr. Shane Browne

    Dr. Shane Browne

    Dr. Browne completed his PhD in Biomedical Engineering in 2015 at the Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CURAM) at NUIG, and in the same year was awarded the Julia Polak European Doctoral Award by the European Society for Biomaterials. Following this, Dr. Browne pursued postdoctoral research at the University of California, Berkeley, supported by prestigious fellowships from the Irish Research Council (IRC) and the American Heart Association (AHA). Research interests include the development of novel biomaterials for biomolecule delivery, tissue regeneration strategies and stem cell-based therapies.

Articles (10 in this collection)