Abstract: The invention provides the development of models for cell migration, including an in vitro model and an in vivo model. The in vitro model for cell migration comprises a first extracellular matrix containing a cell (the cell which will migrate) and a second extracellular matrix in physical contact with the first extracellular matrix. The first extracellular matrix simulates a first natural environment in which the cell naturally resides, and the second extracellular matrix simulates a second natural environment into which the cell naturally migrates from the first natural environment. The in vivo model according to the subject invention comprises an animal model having a naturally occurring first extracellular matrix containing a cell, and a second extracellular matrix in physical contact with the first extracellular matrix. The first and second extracellular matrices are generally as described above for the in vitro model, except that the first extracellular matrix is part of an animal model.

Abstract: The invention provides an extracellular matrix for wound healing comprising peptides from two or more fibronectin domains in a backbone matrix. In one embodiment, the subject invention provides a hyaluronic acid backbone derivatized with the minimal FN sequences that are optimal for tissue cell recruitment. These constructs can be used to accelerate the healing of acute gaping cutaneous wounds and chronic cutaneous ulcers. The invention thus further provides a method of enhancing wound healing which comprises applying the extracellular matrix to a wound.

Abstract: The invention provides an extracellular matrix for enhancing wound healing. The extracellular matrix comprises a recombinant fibronectin protein and a backbone matrix, wherein the recombinant fibronectin protein comprises peptides from two or more fibronectin domains. The extracellular matrix facilitates wound healing by providing hemostasis and, in addition, an environment that intrinsically recruits new tissue cells to the wound site. The extracellular matrix according to the subject invention is thus used in a method for enhancing wound healing. The method comprises applying the extracellular matrix to the wound.