Claudia Loebel

Magnetoactive hydrogels to probe curvature-directed endothelial cell mechanosensing

This study uses a magnetoactive hydrogel to investigate how curvature affects endothelial cell mechanosensing, finding that curvature influences YAP localization and junctional dynamics independently of shear stress.

Hydrogel dimensionality directs mechanics-dependent nascent matrix deposition by tendon fibroblasts

This study shows that hydrogel dimensionality affects how tendon fibroblasts respond to mechanical cues, altering nascent matrix deposition.

Nascent extracellular matrix converts biomaterial cues into cell fate decisions

The paper shows that nascent extracellular matrix converts hydrogel chemical cues into cell fate decisions, with low modification promoting differentiation and high modification promoting proliferation.

Decorin-mediated Extracellular Matrix Stabilization Maintains Cartilage Integrity During Aging

This study identifies decorin-mediated extracellular matrix stabilization as a key factor in maintaining cartilage integrity during aging, showing its role in preventing age-associated osteoarthritis.

Suspension-Based Human Esophagoids Recapitulate WNT2B-Dependent Regulation of Esophageal Basal Progenitors

The paper constructs a developmental cell atlas of the human esophagus and develops in vitro models that recapitulate esophageal architecture, revealing WNT2B's role in regulating basal progenitor self-renewal.

The developing tendon and enthesis are hypoxic and rely on hypoxia-inducible factor 1a (Hif1a) during postnatal development

This study shows that the postnatal tendon enthesis remains hypoxic and requires Hif1a for cell survival, ECM organization, and structural integrity.

Reprogramming Dedifferentiation Regulatory Networks Preserves Human Chondrocyte Phenotypes

This study identifies chromatin stability as critical for preserving chondrocyte function during expansion and shows that Fludarabine maintains phenotype by stabilizing chromatin and reducing STAT1 activity.

Mechanical Cues Regulate Estrogen and Progesterone-Induced Nascent ECM Deposition by Human Endometrial Stromal Cells

This study shows that mechanical and hormonal cues regulate ECM deposition by endometrial stromal cells during decidualization.

Local photo-crosslinking of native tissue matrix regulates cell function

This study uses photo-crosslinking to induce early fibrotic changes in ex vivo tissue, showing how matrix stiffening affects cell behavior and fibrosis progression.

Hydrogel viscoelasticity modulates cell nascent extracellular matrix deposition

This study shows that high-viscosity hydrogels lead to increased nascent extracellular matrix deposition by cells, independent of intracellular contractility.

Structure-Mechanics Principles and Mechanobiology of Fibrocartilage Pericellular Matrix: A Pivotal Role of Type V Collagen

This study investigates the structure-mechanical properties and mechanobiological functions of the pericellular matrix in fibrocartilage, highlighting the critical role of collagen V in maintaining its integrity and function.

Nascent matrix deposition supports alveolar organoid formation from aggregates in synthetic hydrogels

This study develops a Matrigel-free method using synthetic hydrogels to form alveolar organoids, showing they secrete their own extracellular matrix for growth.

A Development-Inspired Niche for Homeostatic Human Mini-Intestines

The paper identifies EPIREGULIN as a niche factor that enables spatial organization in human intestinal organoids, mimicking the native intestine's structure and gene expression.