Self-Organization as a Tool in Mammalian Tissue Engineering

摘要: The end goal of most efforts in tissue engineering is the production an artificial or organ that as similar possible to corresponding natural structure. So far, approaches this have involved combining cells with artificially-sculpted, spun printed scaffolds. approach works well for anatomically-simple, matrix-rich structures such connective tissue, both culture and vivo. visually-striking example engineered ‘human ear’ on back a mouse (Cao et al., 1997) brought much public attention idea. Scaffold-based has since found valuable clinical use new cartilage (Andereya 2006), ligaments (Vunjak-Novakovic 2004), vessels (Lovett 2010), bladder wall (Atala, 2011) nipple 1998). Some significant requirements effective concern not matrix-rich, simple tissues but very intricately-arranged complex organs consist many cell types, precisely located intimate contact one another. Outstanding amongst these, terms urgency, kidney, fragile regenerates itself poorly, which damaged irreversibly by large range toxins, including some medicines. demand transplantable kidneys far exceeds their supply: UK alone, there are about 6,500 people waiting list, leading fairly miserable lives they spend hours per week hooked up dialysis machine. Being able engineer kidney pancreas promises positive impact patients, particularly if could be done from patient’s own stem cells. There are, though, problems extending scaffold-based techniques these. example, consists at least sixty-four distinct types (Little 2007) these arranged haphazardly precise order along intricately folded branched tubules, stroma (Fig 1). Even scaffold laid down highly-developed three-dimensional printing process pattern accurately basement membranes each hundred thousand nephrons, ten collecting ducts number vessels, it difficult see how would enter tube appropriate populate segment correct type cell. Kidneys do normally develop moving into pre-made scaffold, so no reason suppose evolved ability even provided them. In normal life, may limited movement tubules