Monthly Tutorial: Maria Ramos (Mora Lab)

Speaker: Maria Ramos, Mora Lab, UPRM

Title: Tissue-Specific Extracellular Vesicle Uptake and Its Role in Fibroblast Differentiation

Abstract: Fibroblasts are central to tissue repair, contributing to wound healing and extracellular matrix (ECM) maintenance. However, excessive or prolonged fibroblast activation can lead to myofibroblast accumulation, driving fibrosis and pathological remodeling. While myofibroblast differentiation is essential for tissue healing, its dysregulation can result in excessive ECM deposition, tissue stiffening, and impaired organ function. Tissue-specific extracellular vesicles (EVts)—also known as matrix-bound vesicles (MBVs)—are a subset of ECM-associated extracellular vesicles and transport tissue-specific cargos that influence key cellular players in fibrosis. EVts isolated from specialized laryngeal tissues, such as the vocal folds (VF), suggest a role in modulating fibroblast activation, offering a potential strategy for understanding EVts-driven fibrosis regulation. This study aims to decode EVts isolated from decellularized porcine ECM tissues—including the vocal fold lamina propria (VFLP, a fibrosis modulator), urinary bladder matrix (UBM, an EVts benchmark), and supraglottis (SG)—and evaluate their effects on fibroblast differentiation. Using an orthogonal approach integrating proteomics, cellular imaging, and artificial intelligence (AI), we characterize EVts uptake and their functional impact on fibroblasts. Furthermore, proteomics analysis of ECM has been used to identify key molecular markers associated with EVts, strengthening the link between ECM composition and vesicle-mediated signaling. This research provides insights into EVts-fibroblast interactions and their role in fibrosis regulation, contributing to the development of ECM-based materials for therapeutic applications. Additionally, these findings will support the optimization of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery systems and refine AI-driven predictive models for cell-selective delivery.

Location: Towne 215 (Penn), and via Zoom (email Annie for link)

Lunch will be provided for in-person attendees at Penn (please bring your own drinks)!