New understanding gained from the studies of the CoE in Cell-ECM Research will lead to improved diagnostics and treatments. New outcomes and significant breakthroughs are expected in the following research areas:

Understanding the reciprocal effects of cells and the ECM on programes of organ morphogenesis and function

• ECM in remodelling tissues and in affecting morphogen fate
• Use of decellularized organs and stem cells (kidney, heart, bones) for tissue engineering

Integration of hypoxia to develomental control

• Survival and response of cells and tissues to hypoxia and opportunities for new modulators and targets

New ECM-disease associations and novel mechanisms of diseases

• Molecular basis of cardiac diseases, vascular malformations, neuromuscular diseases and tumors
• Novel biomarkers and therapeutic measures

Applications - FIBROGEN Inc. co-operation since its foundation in 1993

• Development of recombinant human collagen expression in Oulu
• Currently – development of compounds for treatment of diseases characterised by fibrosis, ischaemia and anaemia