Microvascular endothelial cells display organ-specific responses to extracellular matrix stiffness.

ABSTRACT: The extracellular matrix was originally thought of as simply a cellular scaffold but is now considered a key regulator of cell function and phenotype from which cells can derive biochemical and mechanical stimuli. Age-associated changes in matrix composition drive increases in matrix stiffness. Enhanced matrix stiffness promotes the progression of numerous diseases including cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disease, fibrosis, and cancer. Macrovascular endothelial cells undergo endothelial dysfunction in response to enhanced matrix stiffness. However, endothelial cells are highly heterogeneous, adopting structural and gene expression profiles specific to their organ of origin. Endothelial cells isolated from different vessels (i.e. arteries, veins or capillaries) respond differently

SUBMITTER: Haidari R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11833412 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature