Center for Tissue Engineering (CTE)

Dupuytren’s disease is a fibroproliferative disorder that affects the palm, fingers and feet, causing a stiff, persistent flexion of the fingers due to the contraction of fibrous cords. The pathogenesis of Dupuytren’s contracture involves pathologic myofibroblasts in the palmar fascia that secrete abnormal collagens and induce contracture. CTE has investigated the use of PRP (platelet-rich plasma), adipose-derived stem cells, growth factors and small molecules to reprogram myofibroblasts into adipocyte-like cells, thereby converting scar tissue into fat tissue.

Publications:

• Targeting Myofibroblasts as a Treatment Modality for Dupuytren Disease
• Transforming Myofibroblasts Into Lipid-Filled Cells to Treat Dupuytren Diseas

The unpredictable nature of scarring after surgery challenges plastic surgeons and concerns patients' mental health. Glucagon-like Peptide-1 receptor agonists and Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 inhibitors are anti-diabetic drugs that lower glucagon and raise insulin levels in Type II Diabetes Mellitus. We hypothesize that GLP-1 modulates fibrotic and adipogenic pathways in the skin to promote tissue regeneration. We are exploring how GLP-1 signaling affects dermal fibrosis and tissue repair.

Publications:

• From Glucose to Gauze: A Systematic Review on the Various Wound Healing Properties of DPP-4 Inhibitors Beyond Glycaemic Control
• Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists: Friend or Foe of Aesthetic Medicine?

Sclerosing Skin Disorders, such as scleroderma, morphea and eosinophilic fasciitis, affect the skin and underlying connective tissues. Specific subsets of fibroblasts have been identified as drivers of these conditions, mainly myofibroblasts, which are characterized by the expression of -SMA (smooth muscle actin). However, the similarities and differences in molecular mechanisms among these fibrotic disorders remain unclear. In collaboration with the Department of Dermatology (Michelle Min, MD), we are exploring markers of skin fibrosis to explore these differences.

Crosstalk between adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) and endothelial cells promotes metabolic fitness and influences vessel growth. We are evaluating whether ASCs induce angiogenesis through a glycolytic mechanism.

California Society of Plastic Surgeons 75th Annual Meeting — UC Irvine Center for Tissue Engineering Research Abstract:
Enhancing Fat Graft Survival Through Adipose-Derived Stem Cell-Induced Vascularization
 

Reconstruction of the external ear, whether due to congenital differences, trauma or cancer, has a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life. There are several corrective options available to patients, the most common being autologous reconstruction with costal cartilage. However, tissue-engineered constructs offer an alternative to traditional reconstruction methods. We are exploring chondrocyte sources to evaluate their chondrogenic potential with the hope of identifying a viable cell source for seeding cartilage scaffolds. This is done in collaboration with Miles Pfaff, MD, in our department.

Publication:

• Identification of a Regenerative Protocol for Recellularizing Human Auricular Cartilage Scaffolds

The development of ‘bubbled’ oxygenated solutions is used in wound healing, tissue transplantation storage solutions, acute major trauma injuries and in vitro laboratory settings to increase exposure to oxygenated solutions. A device was designed for oxygen generation in collaboration with UC Irvine Biomedical Engineering (BME).

Publications:

• Micro/Nanobubble-Assisted Lipotransfer: In Vivo Evidence of Improved Graft Outcomes
• A Quantitative Assessment of Wound Healing With Oxygenated Micro/Nanobubbles in a Preclinical Burn Model