Extracellular Matrix: Structure, Function, and Engineering

This lecture focuses on the extracellular matrix (ECM), its structure, function, and the engineering of artificial matrices. The instructor begins by introducing the ECM's role in cellular functions such as differentiation, growth, and tissue repair. The lecture covers the composition of the ECM, including key components like laminin, collagen, and proteoglycans, and their significance in maintaining tissue integrity. The instructor explains how the ECM provides mechanical support and influences cell behavior, including migration and adhesion. The discussion extends to the engineering of artificial ECMs, highlighting the challenges and strategies involved in mimicking natural ECM properties for applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The importance of integrins as receptors that mediate cell-ECM interactions is also emphasized, detailing their role in signaling pathways that affect cell function. The lecture concludes with insights into the potential of engineered ECMs in therapeutic contexts, particularly in developing scaffolds for cellular therapies and organoid cultures.