Stimulation of muscle hypertrophy: exercising tissue engineered human skeletal muscle.

Creation of 3D skeletal muscle was originally described with chicken cells by prof. H. Vandenburgh . Prof. L. Thorrez co-developed this technology for human muscle and applications included ex vivo gene therapy and drug screening. These bio-artificial muscles (BAMs) are composed of aligned myofibers with dimensions of 2 cm long and 1 mm thick. Prof. L. Thorrez established the Tissue Engineering Lab at KULeuven Kulak where technologies and applications for skeletal muscle tissue engineering have been further developed. Recent developments include incorporation of a precursor network for blood vessels , 3D visualization of muscle morphology and a system for intramuscular drug testing.

To increase the size and strength of muscle, they need to be exercised. This proposal focusses on stimulation of tissue engineered muscle. This requires a multidisciplinary effort including mechanical engineers. The Laboratory of Multiphysics and Multiscale Mechanics (LaMcube, Université de Lille – CNRS - Centrale Lille), has a long-standing expertise in development of innovative experimental devices. Specifically, the research group BioTiM (Biomechanics of soft Tissue Modelling), headed by Prof. M. Brieu, established expertise on characterization and modelling of soft tissue and organs under strain.

With this joint PhD application; both partners with complementary expertise on tissue engineering, stem cells and mechanical characterization; join forces to develop human skeletal muscle tissues in a dish. Foreseen developments in the interest of the I-site hubs include improved precision human health through personalized medicine by expanding opportunities towards new patient-specific muscles, which may transform the way clinicians treat patients.