"Manipulation of the Cellular Microenvironment to Study Tissue Development and Disease "

Kristyn Masters, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Biomedical Engineering
University of Wisconsin-Madison

Multiple features of the cellular microenvironment can influence cell function, including soluble factors, mechanics, and the extracellular matrix. Understanding the roles of these stimuli in tissue development and disease can enable the construction of appropriate engineered environments for applications such as guiding stem cell fate for tissue regeneration or elucidating disease etiology to identify potential treatment targets. In this presentation, I will discuss the roles of these microenvironmental factors in regulating diverse processes throughout the body, such as the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells, initiation of calcific disease in aortic valve leaflets, and the healing of chronic wounds. These findings are used to create defined systems that mimic elements of native pathologies, which may be used to inform the development of new treatment strategies for these conditions.

Faculty Host - Johnna Temenoff, Ph.D.

The Petit Institute hosts special guests and visitors throughout the year. These seminars are open to all faculty and students.

The Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, an internationally recognized hub of multidisciplinary research at the Georgia Institute of Technology, brings engineers, scientists, and clinicians together to solve some of the world’s most complex health challenges. With 18 research centers, more than 180 faculty members, and $24 million in state-of-the-art facilities, the Petit Institute is translating scientific discoveries into game-changing solutions to solve real-world problems.