Identification of matrix physicochemical properties required for renal epithelial cell tubulogenesis by using synthetic hydrogels.

ABSTRACT: Synthetic hydrogels with controlled physicochemical matrix properties serve as powerful in vitro tools to dissect cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions that regulate epithelial morphogenesis in 3D microenvironments. In addition, these fully defined matrices overcome the lot-to-lot variability of naturally derived materials and have provided insights into the formation of rudimentary epithelial organs. Therefore, we engineered a fully defined synthetic hydrogel with independent control over proteolytic degradation, mechanical properties, and adhesive ligand type and density to study the impact of ECM properties on epithelial tubulogenesis for inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells. Protease sensitivity of the synthetic material for membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MT1-

SUBMITTER: Cruz-Acuna R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6826008 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature