https://ltm.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/sites/default/files/2025-09/M2_SoftMagCage.pdf
Scientific context: Cells evolve in protein matrices with varied physicochemical properties (2D or 3D, varying degrees of hardness, with various scales of roughness, hydrophilic or hydrophobic, etc.). These properties influence cellular fate, such as the differentiation capacity of stem cells or the invasive capabilities of cancer cells. Cells adapt to these various physicochemical properties by adjusting the signalling involved in their adhesion, with repercussions on all cellular responses. In this context, numerous studies are investigating the impact of these properties on cell fate. However, it is often difficult to isolate them from one another. At LTM, we use microfabrication tools to study the effects of the geometric organisation of the matrix and the rigidity of the architecture on cellular behaviour. To do this, we are developing 3D printing processes to design geometrically controlled cages at the micrometric scale based on 2-photon lithography.
Here we aim at studying idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a fatal progressive and unpredictable disease characterized by extracellular matrix deposition that leads to stiffening of the pulmonary parenchyma and destruction of functional lung tissue. This pathology involves 4 cell types (epithelial, endothelial, fibroblast and immune cells), whose individual contribution in the onset of the pathology has not been solved yet. Our intuition is that the fibroblasts, activated by immune cells secretions, trigger the onset of the disease by altering the mechanical properties of the tissue.
In previous studies, we have developed printing processes that allow us to design fibred scaffolds with controlled pores and fibres size. This has made it possible to study the role of geometric cues on fibroblasts behaviour (morphology, proliferation, migration). Nevertheless, in IPF, while lung fibroblasts are embedded into fibred matrices, they also experience mechanical stresses coming from breathing.
Background and required skills:
Training in physics or engineering, with a good understanding of the basics of mechanics, magnetism and optics. Some basic knowledge on polymerization processes and/or on cell biology will be appreciated. The candidate must show rigour, curiosity, critical analysis, decision-making ability, and sociability. Ability to synthetize information and communicate it back in weekly meetings will be compulsory.