Human tri-layer engineered blood vessel reveals influence of fibroblasts on disease progression in model of Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome
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ABSTRACT: To date, in vitro models of vascular disease have focused on the pathophysiology of smooth muscle (SMC) or endothelial (EC) cells. Adventitial fibroblasts can contribute to disease progression, but their specific influence is not well understood in different disease contexts. To elucidate fibroblast’s impact on vascular pathology, we developed patient-specific, tri-layer tissue-engineered blood vessels (TEBVs) with SMCs, ECs, and fibroblasts. Using bi-layer (SMCs and ECs) and tri-layer TEBVs, we modeled atherosclerosis in the accelerated aging disease, Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS). HGPS fibroblasts substantially elevated several features of the vascular pathology. Correcting the HGPS-associated mutation using base editing returned many disease characteristics to healthy levels. By generating TEBVs with different combinations of vascular cells with or without the HGPS mutation, we found that fibroblasts contributed to ECM dysregulation and fibrotic signaling, SMCs to collagen accumulation and calcification, and ECs to inflammation. These results clarify the poorly understood influence of fibroblasts in the progression of HGPS vascular pathology. The tri-layer TEBV model could enable further mechanistic insights or therapeutic discovery for other vascular diseases.
ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens
PROVIDER: GSE333565 | GEO | 2026/09/01
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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