Stem Cells: Regeneration, Disease Development and Mechanobiology

Special Seminar

Stem cells not only have tremendous potential for tissue regeneration, but also play an important role in disease development. The differentiation and functions of stem cells are regulated by a myriad of microenvironmental factors. Here I will use vascular remodeling as an example to demonstrate how we combine bioengineering and biological approaches to understand and engineer stem cell functions. Specifically, I will discuss the following topics: (1) How can we engineer the next generation of vascular grafts to recruit stem cells for vascular regeneration? (2) Is vascular disease a stem cell disease of smooth muscle disease? (3) How does the biophysical property of extracellular matrix and biomaterials regulate stem cell functions during vascular regeneration and disease development?