This $350,000 National Science Foundation project grant supports research at the University of Virginia from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2025 under the NSF Engineering program (CFDA 47.041).
The research aims to advance understanding of the effects of microgravity on wound healing processes by leveraging a sensor-integrated 3D tissue culture model. Specifically, the project will explore dynamic changes in gene and protein expression, endothelial network formation, and extracellular matrix mechanical properties during angiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodeling. Researchers will also generate profiles of early wound repair and vascular network formation in an in vitro wound healing environment incorporating fibroblast phenotypic transitions. Findings on real-time extracellular matrix stiffening from myofibroblast behaviors could support development of therapeutics targeting tissue regeneration. The research also seeks to provide new data on the impact of microgravity using the 3D co-culture system.
Generated 1/6/24, 6:33 PM