How does tissue engineering contribute to understanding long-term tissue changes?
Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine provide valuable insights into long-term tissue changes. By creating 3D tissue models and bioengineered tissues, researchers can study the effects of various factors on tissue structure and function over extended periods. These models help in understanding disease progression, the impact of drugs, and the potential for tissue regeneration. For instance, engineered cardiac tissues can be used to study the long-term effects of ischemia and potential therapeutic strategies for myocardial repair.