Nelson Celeste M, Tien Joe
Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2006 Oct;17(5):518-23. doi: 10.1016/j.copbio.2006.08.011. Epub 2006 Sep 12.
Microscale heterogeneity in the extracellular matrix (ECM) provides spatial information that allows tissues to develop and function properly in vivo. This heterogeneity in composition (chemistry) and structure (geometry) creates distinct microenvironments for the cells that comprise a tissue. In response, populations of cells can coordinate their behaviors across micrometer-to-millimeter length scales to function as a unified whole. We believe techniques to mimic the microscale heterogeneity of the ECM in vitro will revolutionize studies that examine how large groups of cells interact. Micropatterned ECMs used for engineering perfused microvascular networks and functional epidermis and for understanding symmetry-breaking events in epithelial morphogenesis illustrate potential applications in tissue engineering and development.
细胞外基质（ECM）中的微观异质性提供了空间信息，使组织能够在体内正常发育和发挥功能。这种组成（化学）和结构（几何形状）上的异质性为构成组织的细胞创造了独特的微环境。作为响应，细胞群体可以在微米到毫米的长度尺度上协调它们的行为，以作为一个统一的整体发挥作用。我们相信，在体外模拟ECM微观异质性的技术将彻底改变研究大量细胞如何相互作用的研究。用于构建灌注微血管网络和功能性表皮以及理解上皮形态发生中对称性破缺事件的微图案化ECM，展示了在组织工程和发育中的潜在应用。
