Understanding and steering cell and matrix alignment in complex multi-cue environments

Abstract

In vivo, the extracellular matrix (ECM) provides cells with a plethora of physical, (bio)chemical and mechanical cues. To understand cell behavior in this complex environment, cells are often studied in an ECM mimic containing isolated single cues in vitro. Although this approach gives useful insights, the environment is oversimplified, as the in vivo environment presents multiple cues at the same time. However, recapitulating such a rich environment in vitro is challenging due to numerous technical challenges.