10th International Conference on Tissue Science and Regenerative Medicine
Tokyo, Germany
Rodrigo Lozano
Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
Title: Investigating tissue topographic influence on cellular phenotype with tissue engineered scaffolds
Biography
Biography: Rodrigo Lozano
Abstract
The human small intestine possesses a distinct villus-crypt topography in which differentiated cells reside in the villi whereas the proliferative cells reside within the crypts. Each crypt contains multiple stem cells that are interspersed between Paneth cells in a specific pattern along the bottom of these crypts. Paneth cells are a crucial part of the intestinal stem cell niche and, in response to multiple stimuli, they supply the stem cells with cues guiding their activity and maintenance. Both stem and Paneth cell phenotypes are related to their localization in these crypts. However, it is not fully understood why stem and Paneth cells are located at the very bottom of these crypts, and whether such localization is necessary for their maintenance and function. In pursuit of these questions, bioengineered scaffolds containing crypt-villus-like topography that replicates key features were fabricated using different biomaterials, including hydrogels. With these bioengineered scaffolds we are addressing the role of mechanical forces, and extracellular matrix constituents in maintaining crypt function and intestinal tissue renewal. Our ultimate goal is to provide insight into whether their localization is an important factor for the stem cell identity and function.