PIMS/IAM Distinguished Lecture: Craig Simmons

Stem cell fate is regulated by cues from the cellular microenvironment, including biophysical and biochemical cues presented by the extracellular matrix. Matrix regulation of cell fate has broad implications from disease to regeneration. In this talk, I will discuss our work aimed at determining how biophysical and biochemical cues from the matrix act to drive the fate and function of mesenchymal stem cells. In particular, I will discuss how the pathological differentiation of heart valve progenitor cells is modulated by the extracellular matrix and how we are using microdevices to dissect how matrix mechanical and biochemical cues act in concert to regulate mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and tissue regeneration.