biostudies-literatureLi NAmerican Heart AssociationAmerican Heart Association-American Stroke AssociationSouth Dakota Board of Regents61-69https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11264340biostudies-literatureUnknown93Construction of an artificial vascular graft is widely considered a promising strategy in vascular tissue engineering. However, limited sources of functional vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) remain a major obstacle in vascular tissue engineering. In this study, we innovatively developed an approach to obtain functional VSMCs by onsite differentiating human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) directed by decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) and fibroblasts. The resulting cells and ECM-cells constructs were characterized by real time RT-PCR, immunofluorescence staining, cell contractile functions, and migration capacity. Our results showed both ECM and fibroblasts induced MSCs differentiation toward VSMC-like cells with increased transcription of marker genes, upregulaMaterials science & engineering. C, Materials for biological applicationsVascular extracellular matrix and fibroblasts-coculture directed differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells toward smooth muscle-like cells for vascular tissue engineering.PMC1126434015SDG25420001UP1600205Hong ZSanyour HKelly PLi NRemund TfalseVascular extracellular matrix and fibroblasts-coculture directed differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells toward smooth muscle-like cells for vascular tissue engineering.Construction of an artificial vascular graft is widely considered a promising strategy in vascular tissue engineering. However, limited sources of functional vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) remain a major obstacle in vascular tissue engineering. In this study, we innovatively developed an approach to obtain functional VSMCs by onsite differentiating human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) directed by decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) and fibroblasts. The resulting cells and ECM-cells constructs were characterized by real time RT-PCR, immunofluorescence staining, cell contractile functions, and migration capacity. Our results showed both ECM and fibroblasts induced MSCs differentiation toward VSMC-like cells with increased transcription of marker genes, upregula2018-01-01T00:00:00Z2018 Dec2025-05-18T13:26:43.826Z2025-05-18T13:26:43.826ZS-EPMC112643403027409310.1016/j.msec.2018.07.061