| Autor: |
O'Connor BB; Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering; Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences; Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA., Pope BD; Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering; Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences; Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA., Peters MM; Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering; Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences; Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA., Ris-Stalpers C; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Academic Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1105, The Netherlands., Parker KK; Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering; Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences; Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA. |
| Abstrakt: |
Impact Statement: Extracellular matrix in the womb regulates the initiation, progression, and completion of a healthy pregnancy. The composition and physical properties of extracellular matrix in the uterus and at the maternal-fetal interface are remodeled at each gestational stage, while maladaptive matrix remodeling results in obstetric disease. As in vitro models of uterine and placental tissues, including micro-and milli-scale versions of these organs on chips, are developed to overcome the inherent limitations of studying human development in vivo , we can isolate the influence of cellular and extracellular components in healthy and pathological pregnancies. By understanding and recreating key aspects of the extracellular microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface, we can engineer microphysiological systems to improve assisted reproduction, obstetric disease treatment, and prenatal drug safety. |
