Tuning of collagen scaffold properties modulates embedded endothelial cell regulatory phenotype in repair of vascular injuries in vivo.

ABSTRACT: Perivascularly implanted matrix embedded endothelial cells (MEECs) are potent regulators of inflammation and intimal hyperplasia following vascular injuries. Endothelial cells (ECs) in collagen scaffolds adopt a reparative phenotype with significant therapeutic potential. Although the biology of MEECs is increasingly understood, tuning of scaffold properties to control cell-substrate interactions is less well-studied. It is hypothesized that modulating scaffold degradation would change EC phenotype. Scaffolds with differential degradation are prepared by cross-linking and predegradation. Vascular injury increases degradation and the presence of MEECs retards injury-mediated degradation. MEECs respond to differential scaffold properties with altered viability in vivo, suppressed smooth musc

SUBMITTER: Unterman S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4664078 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature