Biomechanical control of vascular morphogenesis by the surrounding stiffness.

ABSTRACT: Sprouting angiogenesis is a form of morphogenesis which expands vascular networks from preexisting networks. However, the precise mechanism governing efficient branch elongation driven by directional movement of endothelial cells (ECs), while the lumen develops under the influence of blood inflow, remains unknown. Herein, we show perivascular stiffening to be a major factor that integrates branch elongation and lumen development. The lumen expansion seen during lumen development inhibits directional EC movement driving branch elongation. This process is counter-regulated by the presence of pericytes, which induces perivascular stiffening by promoting the deposition of EC-derived collagen-IV (Col-IV) on the vascular basement membrane (VBM), thereby preventing excessive lumen expansion. Furt

SUBMITTER: Hanada Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12304211 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature