Collagen I hydrogel microstructure and composition conjointly regulate vascular network formation.

ABSTRACT:

Unlabelled

Neovascularization is a hallmark of physiological and pathological tissue remodeling that is regulated in part by the extracellular matrix (ECM). Collagen I hydrogels or Matrigel are frequently used to study vascular network formation; however, in isolation these materials do not typically mimic the integrated effects of ECM structure and composition that may influence endothelial cells in vivo. Here, we have utilized microfabricated 3D culture models to control collagen I microstructure in the presence and absence of Matrigel and tested the effect of these variations on vascular network formation by human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMECs). Varied collagen microarchitecture was achieved by adjusting the gelation temperature and subsequently confirmed by s

SUBMITTER: McCoy MG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5045803 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature