Mechanical cell-matrix feedback explains pairwise and collective endothelial cell behavior in vitro.

ABSTRACT: In vitro cultures of endothelial cells are a widely used model system of the collective behavior of endothelial cells during vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. When seeded in an extracellular matrix, endothelial cells can form blood vessel-like structures, including vascular networks and sprouts. Endothelial morphogenesis depends on a large number of chemical and mechanical factors, including the compliancy of the extracellular matrix, the available growth factors, the adhesion of cells to the extracellular matrix, cell-cell signaling, etc. Although various computational models have been proposed to explain the role of each of these biochemical and biomechanical effects, the understanding of the mechanisms underlying in vitro angiogenesis is still incomplete. Most explanations focus on predi

SUBMITTER: van Oers RF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4133044 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature