Extracellular matrix in vitro disease modelling

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Development of human extracellular matrix biomaterials for in vitro disease models, target identification and drug development.

• IRAS ID

  346268

• Contact name

  Giuseppe Mazza

• Contact email

  giuseppe.mazza@engitix.com

• Sponsor organisation

  Engitix ltd

• Duration of Study in the UK

  10 years, 0 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  Our research involves investigating ways to develop new drugs using human
  samples donated by patients undergoing routine clinical care, where the sample would otherwise be disposed of. We use these samples and remove the cells, leaving the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM is a network of proteins and other molecules that surrounds and supports cells. It is present in all tissue and organs and provide the structure for cells to grow on. This is analogous to the concrete structure of a building (ECM) upon which the building is built around (cells).

  The ECM plays a key role in tissue development and disease progression. For example, many cancers produce excessive ECM that supports cancer cell uncontrolled growth and corresponding lack of functionality, which is a core component of the disease. Changing, or disrupting the ECM formation around cancer cells is an increasingly important area of research to treat the disease and potentially provide a method of early diagnosis.

  Engitix have developed a novel methodology to remove cells from tissue and organs, whilst leaving the ECM largely unaffected. This process is called decellularization and it results in a tissue or organ scaffold ("acellular
  material"). All that is left are the fibres which hold the organ together, with
  gaps where the cells were present. The scaffold, reminiscent of a sponge, is stable and
  can be stored for a very long time. The next step in our research is to 'seed'
  different cells causing the disease into those scaffolds to model disease.

  Using this approach we investigate the the role of ECM in diseases and healthy states. We analyse the the ECM and identify potential treatment targets or diagnostic biomarkers which are confirmed in the 3D model. For biomarkers we look at blood sample derivatives. This approach can produce new targets without the use of animal studies.

• REC name

  London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  25/LO/0267

• Date of REC Opinion

  4 Apr 2025

• REC opinion

  Unfavourable Opinion