Dr. Edie Goldsmith is an established investigator who is the PI for South Carolina IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (SC INBRE) Association, The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic network consisting of structural proteins (collagens), glycoproteins and proteoglycans that provide a positional framework for cellular organization, cellular process cues (signals for proliferation, migration and differentiation) and a mechanism to transmit mechanical stimuli from one cell to another. Fibroblasts are the cell type largely responsible for the deposition and maintenance of the ECM in many organs and their transition into myofibroblast phenotype is associated with a number of fibrotic diseases in which excess ECM impairs normal organ function. Our interest is in understanding factors which affect the transition of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and developing tools for regulating matrix production by these cells. We are currently examining fibroblast/myofibroblast behavior in the context of heart development and cancer. Of particular interest is the role that intercellular communication and local mechanical environment play in fibroblast/myofibroblast function. We have demonstrated that polyelectrolyte-coated gold nanorods have the ability to modulate collagen production and fibroblast transition into myofibroblast and are exploring the use of these particles in regulating additional cellular functions.
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