Summary
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the dynamic biological scaffolding that surrounds cells in every tissue and organ of the human body. Far from a passive support, the ECM actively directs cell growth, repair, and specialization. Disruption of these processes can lead to cancer, cardiac and pulmonary fibrosis, reproductive disease, and other conditions affecting millions of Americans. Engineering the ECM offers transformative opportunities for regenerative medicine, cell-based therapies, human "organ-on-chip" disease models, and accelerated drug discovery. The 2026 Gordon Research Conference (G
