Hydrogels with tunable mechanical plasticity regulate endothelial cell outgrowth in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis.

ABSTRACT: The endothelial cell (EC) outgrowth in both vasculogenesis and angiogenesis starts with remodeling surrounding matrix and proceeds with the crosstalk between cells for the multicellular vasculature formation. The mechanical plasticity of matrix, defined as the ability to permanently deform by external traction, is pivotal in modulating cell behaviors. Nevertheless, the implications of matrix plasticity on cell-to-cell interactions during EC outgrowth, along with the molecular pathways involved, remain elusive. Here we develop a collagen-hyaluronic acid based hydrogel platform with tunable plasticity by using compositing strategy of dynamic and covalent networks. We show that although the increasing plasticity of the hydrogel facilitates the matrix remodeling by ECs, the largest tubular lum

SUBMITTER: Wei Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10721650 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature