Ep. 80: “Engineered Biomaterials” Featuring Dr. Erika Moore
Jun 11, 2024
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Dr. Erika Moore, an Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland, delves into the fascinating world of engineered biomaterials for regenerative medicine. She discusses rejuvenating macrophages and innovative approaches to treat lupus. The conversation also highlights the significance of using appropriate cells in research, and Dr. Moore emphasizes the need for financial literacy to enhance access to scientific careers. Listeners gain insights into the intersection of engineering, immunology, and the importance of inclusivity in the scientific community.
Engineering biomaterials helps study immune cell interactions in tissue-like environments, crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies.
Aging negatively impacts macrophage function, but treatments like metformin may restore their capabilities, highlighting the need for age-related immune research.
Promoting financial literacy in science education can alleviate barriers for underrepresented students, enhancing diversity and inclusivity in biomedical research.
Deep dives
Engineering Biomaterials for Immune Research
Research on engineering biomaterials explores how these synthetic materials can be utilized to study the interactions of immune cells within tissue-like environments. Using polymers like polyethylene glycol, scientists create controlled microenvironments that mimic conditions found in vivo, which is critical for understanding how macrophages and monocytes respond to various signals. These biomaterial constructs provide a platform to investigate the behavior of immune cells in response to changes in their environment, aiding in the development of therapeutic strategies. The research highlights the need for intermediary models that reflect the complexity of human tissues, allowing insights into immune cell function crucial for advancing medical science.
Impact of Aging on Macrophage Function
Studies have shown that macrophages from older donors exhibit significantly impaired functions compared to those from younger individuals, specifically in their ability to support vascular repair. This deterioration in function is particularly relevant in the context of aging, where the capacity for effective healing diminishes over time. Research indicates that treatments with metformin can restore some of the compromised functions of aged macrophages, offering potential therapeutic avenues for age-related decline in immune response. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the cellular changes associated with aging to improve treatment strategies for older populations.
Role of Integrins in Immune Cell Behavior
Research reveals that specific integrin receptors play a crucial role in regulating macrophage functions within engineered biomaterial environments. Targeting these integrins can significantly alter the inflammatory responses of macrophages, suggesting a novel approach to modulate immune responses in various disease contexts. By manipulating the extracellular matrix interactions, scientists observed reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokine production, highlighting how physical factors affect immune behavior. This insight paves the way for developing therapeutic strategies that leverage integrin signaling to enhance or suppress immune responses as needed.
Circadian Rhythms and Their Influence on Immunotherapy
Circadian rhythms are shown to significantly affect the immune system's responses, influencing the effectiveness of cancer therapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors. Research demonstrated that the timing of these treatments can alter their success, particularly in managing myeloid-derived suppressor cells that impede immune activity in cancer models. By optimizing treatment scheduling in alignment with the body's natural rhythms, the therapeutic outcomes can potentially be enhanced, providing a strategic approach to cancer care. This connection between circadian biology and immunotherapy indicates a vital area for future research to improve clinical practices.
Financial Literacy and Equity in Science
Efforts to promote financial literacy among students stem from a recognition of the barriers that financial stress can create in pursuing education and careers in science. Increased awareness of financial obligations can empower individuals, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to focus on their studies without the burden of financial anxiety. Equity in scientific research also necessitates understanding and improving access to diverse biological samples to better reflect patient populations in studies. Addressing these disparities can enhance the inclusivity and relevance of biomedical research, ultimately benefiting diverse communities.
Dr. Erika Moore is an Assistant Professor in the Fischell Department of Bioengineering at the University of Maryland, where her lab is committed to engineering biomaterial models that harness the regenerative potential of the immune system. She talks about building biomaterials, rejuvenating macrophages, and treating lupus. She also discusses using the right cells in research and promoting financial literacy to make science careers more accessible.
Heart Failure – Bone marrow can carry an innate immune memory of cardiac stress that may exacerbate heart failure.
Epstein Barr and B Cells – Virus-orchestrated NAD biosynthesis is a druggable metabolic vulnerability of Epstein Barr virus-driven B cell transformations.
Microbiome Modulation in Pregnancy – Bacterial conversion of corticoids into progestins may affect host physiology, particularly in the context of pregnancy.
-SF Macrophage Medium.
