Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Group

Mechanical damage such as fracture or implant surgery is known to trigger local inflammation at bone tissue. First, myeloid cells are activated and thereafter, mesenchymal cells are recruited to the site to initiate tissue regeneration. The healing process is controlled by the cellular crosstalk between these two cell types.

Proper implant integration and bone healing requires spatial and temporal regulation of inflammation and connective tissue formation, as well as its mineralization. In addition, the re-establishment of functional circulation via angiogenesis and vasculogenesis is essential to provide oxygen and nutrients to the regenerating tissue.

The Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Group focuses on the cellular processes and relevant molecular factors in the implant / trauma microenvironment favoring the healing process. We are especially interested in interactions between mesenchymal stromal cells, myeloid cells and endothelial precursors. Our research provides novel data contributing to the development of better tissue engineering applications.

 

Principal Investigators

Jorma Määttä
Docent, Institute of Biomedicine
University of Turku

Contact
jmaatta@utu.fi
+358 50 400 4219

Research topics

• Bone microenvironment in osteogenic differentiation and osteogenesis
• Interactions of mesenchymal and myeloid cells in osteogenesis and angiogenesis
• Crosstalk between myeloid and mesenchymal cell populations in bone trauma healing / bone implant integration and osteogenesis
• Osteoblast / fibroblast communication in osteogenesis
• Biomaterials and bone cell function