Keynote Speaker Abstracts
Dr. Boris Hinz
Talk title: Myofibroblasts: Taking Care of Business
To rapidly restore mechanical stability of tissues after injury, different cell types are activated into myofibroblasts that secrete and stabilize extracellular matrix into scar tissue. Rapid repair comes at the cost of reduced tissue function due to the inability of the myofibroblast to truly regenerate organs. When extracellular matrix accumulation and contraction become progressive and manifest as organ fibrosis, stiff scar tissue can lead to the loss of organ function. Pivotal for the formation and persistence of myofibroblasts are mechanical stimuli arising during tissue repair and chronic presence of inflammatory cells. I will provide an overview on how mechanical factors orchestrate the activation of myofibroblasts. I will focus on myofibroblast interactions with macrophages and extracellular matrix in persisting wound environments, using lung injury and implant fibrosis as paradigms. By understanding and manipulating myofibroblast mechanoperception and intercellular communication, we will be able to devise better therapies to reduce scarring and support normal wound healing in organ and implant fibrosis. I will provide some examples how our lab translated such strategies into commercialized intellectual property and spin-off companies.
Dr. Dennis Discher
Talk title: Connective tissue directed Cell response – A Pan-tissue view of Matrix Stiffness effects
Solid tissues differ in their mechanics, with some being soft like the brain, some being rigid like cartilage and bone, and most falling somewhere in between, such as muscle. A good guess of course is that connective tissue amount is a key determinant of such mechanical differences, but ongoing questions include which if any components are most relevant, and can any mechanical effects of matrix on cells be established separate from biochemical effects? Our group and many others have been addressing these and additional questions over the past two decades in the context of mature tissue, disease, and to some extent development. Materials beyond polystyrene culture dishes have been key. Cytoskeletal forces among other pathways seem to have roles in modulating mechanisms and might present opportunities for some control. Tissue water content, viscosity, and viscoelasticity are further properties to consider, and modern single cell omics methods are adding insight to what seems to be a useful pan-tissue perspective.
Dr. Mohit Kapoor
Talk title: Omic Profiling in Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of musculoskeletal disease affecting millions of people worldwide. The endogenous mechanisms associated with OA pathogenesis are not well understood. Currently, there are no reliable diagnostics tests for early detection of OA and no approved disease modifying therapies for the treatment of OA. Omic technologies such as genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics etc have significantly evolved over the past few decades and are increasing being applied to better understand the complex pathophysiological mechanisms associated with OA. This talk will cover some latest advances in omic technologies and their utility in understanding the complex OA mechanisms, endotypes and phenotypes.
Dr. Armstrong Murira
Talk title: The Convergence of Biology and Technology: Leveraging AI and ML for Connective Tissue Regeneration
Connective tissue, integral to our biological framework, significantly impacts human health and longevity. With traditional scientific methods, commendable progress has been made in understanding this complex system, thanks to the relentless efforts of researchers worldwide. Now, we propose an enhanced approach to this endeavor, harnessing the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). These technological marvels, having already revolutionized various facets of biological research, bring a fresh perspective to our study. We propose that AI and ML can illuminate the intricate mechanisms of connective tissue regeneration by facilitating sophisticated biological modeling, precise pattern recognition, and predictive analyses. Applying machine learning algorithms, we can probe the depths of comprehensive biological data related to connective tissues. Our exploration encompasses the role of AI in deciphering complex signaling pathways that orchestrate tissue repair and growth. Furthermore, we delve into the potential of AI and ML to optimize the design of tissue scaffolds, a critical component of regenerative medicine. Preliminary investigations reveal a promising confluence of AI, ML, and connective tissue research, hinting at untapped potentials in decoding the secrets of tissue regeneration. Yet, the intersection of these disciplines presents both unprecedented opportunities and formidable challenges, including technical complexities and ethical considerations. As a scientific community, our collective endeavor is to harness the transformative power of AI and ML effectively, responsibly, and ethically, guiding this journey towards unveiling the regenerative potential of connective tissues.