How does tissue from a pigs small intestine communicate to human muscle?
That’s a great question. Certain things are so important to mammalian survival that they are conserved across species. The amino acid sequences are either identical or else so close to those in humans that they deliver the same message. And because the ECM contains no cells, you can implant it in a person without causing an immune reaction? Right. Is that enough to stimulate growth? Simply placing the ECM at the site might get cells interested. But if you don’t recreate the micro-environment needed for tissue growth, it won’t happen. That means you need the right pH, oxygen, moisture and nutrients. You also have to apply the correct mechanical forces. An Achilles tendon, for example, has to bear weight. Without those signals, it will turn into loose connective tissue. I know you don’t like to talk about this, but working with a powdered version of ECM, you helped three people regrow the tips of fingers that were accidentally severed. The tips of fingers sometimes regrow anyway, especia
