A graph-theoretic framework for quantitative analysis of angiogenic networks.

ABSTRACT: The endothelial tube formation assay is an established in vitro model for evaluating angiogenesis. Although widely used, quantification of angiogenic behavior in such assays remains semi-empirical and often lacks spatial, topological, and structural context. Here, we present a graph-theoretic framework to quantify network morphology, temporal dynamics, and spatial heterogeneity in tube formation assays. We simulated two distinct angiogenic network morphologies using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) seeded at two densities and imaged at 2, 4, and 18 h post-seeding. Skeletonized images were converted to mathematical graphs from which 11 graph-based metrics were extracted. This framework captured both morphological differences and temporal progression. Sparse networks exhibited

SUBMITTER: Okoro G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12492523 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature