The matrix in focus: new directions in extracellular matrix research from the 2021 ASMB hybrid meeting
Bryan A. Nerger,
Tia M. Jones,
Keron W. J. Rose,
Anna Barqué,
Justin S. Weinbaum,
Ryan J. Petrie,
Joan Chang,
Davy Vanhoutte,
Kendra LaDuca,
Dirk Hubmacher,
Alexandra Naba
Affiliations
Bryan A. Nerger
John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02134, USA
Tia M. Jones
Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
Keron W. J. Rose
Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
Anna Barqué
Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA
Justin S. Weinbaum
Department of Bioengineering, Department of Pathology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
Ryan J. Petrie
Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
Joan Chang
Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
Davy Vanhoutte
Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
Kendra LaDuca
American Society for Matrix Biology, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
Dirk Hubmacher
Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
Alexandra Naba
Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex assembly of macromolecules that provides both architectural support and molecular signals to cells and modulate their behaviors. Originally considered a passive mechanical structure, decades of research have since demonstrated how the ECM dynamically regulates a diverse set of cellular processes in development, homeostasis, and disease progression. In September 2021, the American Society for Matrix Biology (ASMB) organized a hybrid scientific meeting, integrating in-person and virtual formats, to discuss the latest developments in ECM research. Here, we highlight exciting scientific advances that emerged from the meeting including (1) the use of model systems for fundamental and translation ECM research, (2) ECM-targeting approaches as therapeutic modalities, (3) cell-ECM interactions, and (4) the ECM as a critical component of tissue engineering strategies. In addition, we discuss how the ASMB incorporated mentoring, career development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in both virtual and in-person events. Finally, we reflect on the hybrid scientific conference format and how it will help the ASMB accomplish its mission moving forward.
