Our primary objective is to tissue-engineer an aortic valve. To achieve this, we are studying the structure, function, regulation and dynamic nature of the aortic valve. This includes dissecting the functional attributes of the different cell types (endothelial and interstitial) as well as the extracellular matrix components. We are investigating the interactions and crosstalk between the cells and the matrix, which play a major role in valve function. We are using mechanical force as a cue to induce phenotypic changes in different vascular cells in order to determine their suitability to act as valve cells. We are also investigating the use of stem cells as a potential source of cells for our constructs. In parallel with these studies we are assessing the suitability of type I collagen scaffolds for constructing the valve. Knowledge gained from these studies will be used to determine and direct a successful choice of cells, matrix and engineering conditions in order to tissue engineer an aortic valve. Seeded constructs will be placed in a bioreactor, which is being constructed to allow us to examine adaptive morphological, phenotypic and functional changes in response to a range of haemodynamic forces.

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