3D culture models of tissues under tension

J Cell Sci. 2017 Jan 1;130(1):63-70. doi: 10.1242/jcs.198630. Epub 2016 Dec 1.

Abstract

Cells dynamically assemble and organize into complex tissues during development, and the resulting three-dimensional (3D) arrangement of cells and their surrounding extracellular matrix in turn feeds back to regulate cell and tissue function. Recent advances in engineered cultures of cells to model 3D tissues or organoids have begun to capture this dynamic reciprocity between form and function. Here, we describe the underlying principles that have advanced the field, focusing in particular on recent progress in using mechanical constraints to recapitulate the structure and function of musculoskeletal tissues.

Keywords: 3D model; Contractility; Extracellular matrix; Microtissue; TFM.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological*
  • Stromal Cells / cytology
  • Tissue Culture Techniques / methods*
  • Tissue Engineering