Hybrid hydrogel-extracellular matrix scaffolds identify biochemical and mechanical signatures of cardiac ageing.

ABSTRACT: Extracellular matrix remodelling of cardiac tissue is a key contributor to age-related cardiovascular disease and dysfunction. Such remodelling is multifaceted including changes to the biochemical composition, architecture and mechanics, clouding our understanding of how and which extracellular matrix properties contribute to a dysfunctional state. Here we describe a decellularized extracellular matrix-synthetic hydrogel hybrid scaffold that independently confers two distinct matrix properties-ligand presentation and stiffness-to cultured cells in vitro, allowing for the identification of their specific roles in cardiac ageing. The hybrid scaffold maintains native matrix composition and organization of young or aged murine cardiac tissue, whereas its mechanical properties can be independen

SUBMITTER: Sun AR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12404999 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature