Matthew D. Layne, PhD

Associate Professor, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

Biography

The primary goal of our laboratory is to identify novel pathways that control extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and assembly as they relate to fibroproliferative and connective tissue diseases. Our long term goal is to use this knowledge to develop therapeutic strategies for these conditions. Fibroproliferative responses are similar to wound healing processes involving accumulation of contractile myofibroblasts and ECM secretion and assembly. Because organ fibrosis, cardiovascular, metabolic/obesity, and cancer pathologies are now recognized to be impacted by fibroblast-myofibroblast differentiation and ECM remodeling our research is examining novel pathways and control mechanisms in these diseases. In collaborative work, we are investigating the mechanisms of adipose tissue fibrosis and remodeling. Central to our studies is determining the function of Aortic Carboxypeptidase-like Protein (ACLP), a secreted, collagen-binding protein that enhances fibrosis and myofibroblast differentiation through mechanisms that involve stimulating the transforming growth factor ß (TGFß) receptor signaling complex and controlling mechanical signaling and ECM remodeling. Recent work is uncovering the role of ACLP (and AEBP1 genetic mutations in the connective tissue disease Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. There are several active projects in the lab including:

• Investigating the mechanisms of how ACLP/AEBP1 mutations cause Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS)
• Defining the the role of ACLP in mechanotransduction pathways that control progenitor differentiation.
• Developing strategies to organ fibrosis through targeting ACLP
• Uncovering new mechanisms that control adipose tissue fibrosis.

Publications

  • Published 8/11/2025

    Dogru S, Simone N, Haciguzeller HZ, Alba GM, Layne MD, Albro MB. Latent TGF-ß content of articular cartilage with development and age. Connect Tissue Res. 2026 Jan; 67(1):2-12. PMID: 40787736.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 8/5/2025

    Tavares AH, Connelly SP, Maksat D, Zheng J, Rabhi N, Layne MD. TGF-ß1-dependent expression of FOXS1 attenuates adipogenic potential and enhances a myofibroblast cellular phenotype. J Biol Chem. 2025 Sep; 301(9):110563. PMID: 40774386.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 2/8/2025

    Wang T, Maldonado CC, Huang BL, Budbazar E, Martin A, Layne MD, Murphy-Ullrich JE, Grinstaff MW, Albro MB. A Bio-inspired Latent TGF-ß Conjugated Scaffold Improves Neocartilage Development. bioRxiv. 2025 Feb 08. PMID: 39975171.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 1/23/2025

    Seibel AJ, Frosti CL, Tlemçani AR, Lahiri N, Brammer-DePuy JA, Layne MD, Tien J. Obesity-Associated Conditions Hinder Solute Drainage Function of Engineered Human Lymphatic Vessels. Cell Mol Bioeng. 2025 Feb; 18(1):53-69. PMID: 39949491.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 10/9/2024

    Wang T, Kim SY, Peng Y, Zheng J, Layne MD, Murphy-Ullrich JE, Albro MB. Autoinduction-Based Quantification of In Situ TGF-ß Activity in Native and Engineered Cartilage. Tissue Eng Part C Methods. 2024 Nov; 30(11):522-532. PMID: 39311474.

    Read at: PubMed

View All 93 Publications:   View Full Profile in BUMC

Other Positions

  • Assistant Dean of Research
    Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
  • Member, BU-BMC Cancer Center
    Boston University
  • Member, Evans Center for Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research
    Boston University
  • Graduate Medical Sciences Educator and Mentor (Primary Mentor of Graduate Students)
    Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Graduate Medical Sciences
  • Member of the Molecular Medicine Program
    Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
  • Member, Genome Science Institute
    Boston University

Websites

Education

  • Boston University School of Medicine, PhD
  • Boston University, BA

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