The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a key element of tissues and organs. It maintains their structure and provides biochemical and mechanobiological signals to the cells, having a prominent role in tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Indeed, ECM impairments have been correlated with the progression of different diseases, like fibrosis, in a plethora of tissues. Given its importance, it is necessary to investigate novel microenvironments that mimic the ECM to simulate the homeostatic signals perceived by the cells. These ECM-like microenvironments will find diverse applications, starting with their potential use as scaffolds that enable the 3D culture of cells and the development of better in vitro models. Moreover, they may also be applied to promote the regeneration of tissues where the ECM is impaired or missing (degraded), and where homeostatic signaling is disrupted.The goal of this Research Topic is to provide an overview of the recent advances in the development of novel ECM-like microenvironments as in vitro models of healthy and diseased tissue/organs, including organoid development, or as tools in regenerative medicine. During the last decades, the increasing knowledge of ECM composition and function in different tissues, together with research in areas like cell-ECM interaction and biomaterials science, has set the grounds for the achievement of promising approaches to mimic the native ECM. Therefore, we are at an optimal point to imagine and generate new models and regenerative strategies that span the full range of tissues and organs in the body. Herein, we expect to provide a collection of articles that will be of value not only to researchers already working in the field but also for the general scientific audience.All types of manuscripts regarding ECM-like microenvironments are welcomed, including original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, and opinions. Areas to be covered in this Research Topic may include, but are not limited to, the following:• Biomaterial-based microenvironments, including scaffolds (in general) and hydrogels (in particular)• Decellularized ECM (dECM)• Natural and synthetic biomaterials, including Matrigel, collagen, PEG, silk, elastin, etc.• Dynamic scaffolds, e.g., biodegradable• Stimuli-responsive scaffolds• Models of healthy and diseased tissue/organs (including cancer models)• Organoids and similar models of development/morphogenesis• Cell-ECM interactions• Mechanobiology• Biofabrication strategies, including 3D bioprinting• Methods for the evaluation and characterization of scaffolds• Drug efficacy• Personalized medicine
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a key element of tissues and organs. It maintains their structure and provides biochemical and mechanobiological signals to the cells, having a prominent role in tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Indeed, ECM impairments have been correlated with the progression of different diseases, like fibrosis, in a plethora of tissues. Given its importance, it is necessary to investigate novel microenvironments that mimic the ECM to simulate the homeostatic signals perceived by the cells. These ECM-like microenvironments will find diverse applications, starting with their potential use as scaffolds that enable the 3D culture of cells and the development of better in vitro models. Moreover, they may also be applied to promote the regeneration of tissues where the ECM is impaired or missing (degraded), and where homeostatic signaling is disrupted.The goal of this Research Topic is to provide an overview of the recent advances in the development of novel ECM-like microenvironments as in vitro models of healthy and diseased tissue/organs, including organoid development, or as tools in regenerative medicine. During the last decades, the increasing knowledge of ECM composition and function in different tissues, together with research in areas like cell-ECM interaction and biomaterials science, has set the grounds for the achievement of promising approaches to mimic the native ECM. Therefore, we are at an optimal point to imagine and generate new models and regenerative strategies that span the full range of tissues and organs in the body. Herein, we expect to provide a collection of articles that will be of value not only to researchers already working in the field but also for the general scientific audience.All types of manuscripts regarding ECM-like microenvironments are welcomed, including original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, and opinions. Areas to be covered in this Research Topic may include, but are not limited to, the following:• Biomaterial-based microenvironments, including scaffolds (in general) and hydrogels (in particular)• Decellularized ECM (dECM)• Natural and synthetic biomaterials, including Matrigel, collagen, PEG, silk, elastin, etc.• Dynamic scaffolds, e.g., biodegradable• Stimuli-responsive scaffolds• Models of healthy and diseased tissue/organs (including cancer models)• Organoids and similar models of development/morphogenesis• Cell-ECM interactions• Mechanobiology• Biofabrication strategies, including 3D bioprinting• Methods for the evaluation and characterization of scaffolds• Drug efficacy• Personalized medicine