Cell-ECM Interactions for Tissue Engineering and Tissue Regeneration

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic scaffold structure that surrounds all cells in the body and provides structural integrity as well as dynamic signaling cues. These ECM cues influence many aspects of cellular function and phenotype, including cell death, proliferation, cell fate specification, and tissue morphogenesis. Therefore, it is critically important to understand the impact of ECM interactions on disease pathology, tissue engineering, and tissue regeneration. These original research and review articles illustrate the importance of ECM interactions on fundamental cell behavior. Using bioengineering and biomaterial strategies, the effects of the ECM on cell behavior and function can be systematically studied. Cell-ECM interactions are further explored in a variety of tissue and disease models, including cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, lymphatic, and skin applications. These articles were published from 2022 to 2023 in Bioengineering.