Expanding Lifetime Regenerative Capacity
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Publications
Our research pushes the boundaries of tissue repair and regenerative medicine.
Our publications detail our innovative approaches and findings that contribute to the field of healthspan biology.
Transcriptional programs diverge in aging mouse and human skeletal muscle
How closely does muscle aging in mice reflect what happens in humans?
Our study reveals important differences in how muscle changes with age across the two species, while identifying shared biological pathways that may help us better understand human muscle aging.
Editorial: From crosstalk among cell populations in the microenvironment of bone degenerative diseases to the novel therapeutic approaches
Why do bones and joints become more vulnerable to disease as we age? This editorial explores how interactions between cells and their surrounding environment contribute to conditions such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, and how advances in research may help guide the development of better treatments.
Acellular Scaffolds for Muscle Regeneration: Advances and Challenges
How can we help the body regenerate muscle after severe injury? This review explores how engineered, cell-free scaffolds can support muscle regeneration by guiding cell growth and delivering biological signals, while highlighting the challenges that remain in restoring muscle structure and function.
Editorial: The application of bioactive materials in bone repair
How can advanced materials help the body regenerate damaged bone? This editorial explores emerging technologies, including bioactive scaffolds, 3D printing, and engineered implants, that aim to stimulate bone regeneration, reduce infection risks, and improve treatment of complex bone injuries.
Combinational regenerative inductive effect of bio-adhesive hybrid hydrogels conjugated with hiPSC-derived myofibers and its derived EVs for volumetric muscle regeneration
Can we engineer new muscle to replace tissue lost through severe injury? This study combines muscle cells derived from human stem cells with the biological signals they release, using an engineered hydrogel to support tissue growth. In mice with severe muscle loss, this approach improved muscle regeneration and functional recovery.
Nanosheet Promotes Chronic Wound Healing by Localizing Uncultured Stromal Vascular Fraction Cells
How can we improve healing in chronic wounds that struggle to close? This study uses an ultrathin, biodegradable nanosheet to hold regenerative cells in place at the wound site. In diabetic mice, this approach improved cell retention, increased collagen deposition, and accelerated wound closure.
The Role of Hypoxia and Hypoxia Signaling in Skeletal Muscle Physiology
How does oxygen availability influence muscle growth, maintenance, and regeneration? This review explores how low oxygen levels and the body's oxygen-sensing mechanisms regulate muscle stem cells and their development into mature muscle fibers, with implications for muscle health, disease, and regenerative therapies.
Editorial: Application of innovative techniques in genetic and cellular therapies
How can advances in cell and gene therapies help treat diseases and injuries? This editorial explores emerging approaches, from improving the regenerative potential of transplanted cells to using tiny cell-derived particles to deliver therapeutic signals, alongside new techniques for delivering genes and medicines to targeted tissues.
VEGFA Promotes Skeletal Muscle Regeneration in Aging
Why does muscle regeneration decline with age? This study identifies reduced levels of VEGFA, a protein involved in tissue repair, as one factor contributing to impaired muscle regeneration. Activating a pathway that increases VEGFA improved muscle fiber regeneration in aged mice, highlighting a potential therapeutic target for age-related muscle loss.
Acellular Collagen–Glycosaminoglycan Matrix Promotes Functional Recovery in a Rat Model of Volumetric Muscle Loss
Can engineered scaffolds help restore muscle strength after severe injury? This study investigates a collagen-based scaffold designed to support muscle regeneration following extensive tissue loss. In rats, the scaffold reduced scarring, increased muscle regeneration, and improved muscle strength compared with untreated injuries.
Natural photothermal-responsive MXene-based antimicrobial nanomaterials Ti3C2/Au NPs for the treatment of deep Staphylococcus aureus-Infected wound
Can light-activated nanomaterials help treat deep wound infections? This study investigates an engineered material combining titanium-based nanosheets with gold nanoparticles that generate heat when exposed to light. In experimental models, the treatment killed bacteria, reduced infection, and promoted wound healing by supporting blood vessel formation and regulating inflammation.
A Whole-Course-Repair System Based on Neurogenesis-Angiogenesis Crosstalk and Macrophage Reprogramming Promotes Diabetic Wound Healing
Can we improve diabetic wound healing by regenerating nerves and blood vessels together? This study develops an injectable hydrogel that delivers biological signals to regulate inflammation and encourage nerve and blood vessel growth. By coordinating these processes throughout healing, the approach offers a promising strategy for treating difficult-to-heal diabetic wounds.
Aerobic exercise and scaffolds with hierarchical porosity synergistically promote functional recovery post volumetric muscle loss
Can combining engineered scaffolds with exercise improve muscle recovery after severe injury? This study develops a 3D-printed, porous scaffold that delivers growth factors to damaged muscle. In mice, the scaffold promoted new muscle formation, reduced scarring, and improved strength, with exercise providing additional benefits beyond either treatment alone.
Melatonin Promotes BMSCs Osteoblastic Differentiation and Relieves Inflammation by Suppressing the NF-κB Pathways
Can melatonin help support bone regeneration? This study investigates how melatonin influences bone marrow stem cells, finding that it promotes their development into bone-forming cells while reducing inflammation. These findings suggest a potential therapeutic approach for conditions such as osteoporosis.
In vivo printing of growth factor-eluting adhesive scaffolds improves wound healing
Can we print regenerative materials directly onto wounds to improve healing? This study develops a handheld 3D printer that applies an adhesive hydrogel containing a growth factor directly to injured skin. In a porcine wound model, the printed scaffold remained attached without sutures, gradually released the growth factor, and improved the quality of wound healing.