Alveolar epithelial cells and microenvironmental stiffness synergistically drive fibroblast activation in three-dimensional hydrogel lung models
Thomas Caracena, Rachel Blomberg, Rukshika S. Hewawasam, Zoe E. Fry, David W. H. Riches, Chelsea M. Magin
Abstract
Increased microenvironmental stiffness and alveolar epithelial cells were both required to drive fibroblast activation in biomaterial-based 3D models of pulmonary fibrosis.
Topics & Concepts
FibroblastLungStiffnessChemistrySelf-healing hydrogelsCell biologyEpitheliumBiophysicsPathologyBiologyMaterials scienceIn vitroBiochemistryMedicineComposite materialPolymer chemistryInternal medicineInhalation and Respiratory Drug DeliveryProteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans researchNeonatal Respiratory Health Research