Humans have a limited innate capacity to regenerate musculoskeletal tissues following digit or limb amputation. The Qu Lab uses the mouse digit tip model to investigate mammalian appendage regeneration. Current evidence suggests that regenerative failure is not due to an irreversible loss of regenerative potential, but rather to the absence of essential morphogenetic cues. Previous studies have shown that delivering appropriate morphogenetic proteins with spatial and temporal control can partially restore regeneration in the mouse digit. In the Qu Lab, Runrun Chen aims to develop an injectable, magnetically responsive microgel system for the controlled delivery of multiple morphogenetic proteins. By using magnetic forces to spatially position microgels within tissue and tuning their release profiles, this system can establish spatially and temporally controlled morphogenetic signaling at the injury site. Ultimately, this approach aims to recreate key regenerative signals needed to promote coordinated digit regeneration.
