Patterning Cell and Tissue Function

Highly organized structures are a defining feature of biological tissues, from vascular and neural networks to hexagonal liver lobules and striated muscle fibers. This spatial organization of cells and their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) is an essential aspect to the development, maintenance, and function of tissues and organs. We discuss available strategies that have been developed for spatially arranging cells within ECM environments-by patterning cell-ECM and cell-cell adhesion, soluble cues, and substrate mechanical properties-and how such strategies can subsequently affect cell and tissue function. These approaches to recreate organized structures in vitro ultimately will play a key role in engineering the recapitulation of tissue function and thereby further efforts in regenerative medicine.