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Chapter 13. An in vivo experimental model for postnatal vasculogenesis
Juan M Melero-Martin1, Joyce Bischoff
1Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital, Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Methods in Enzymology
|November 22, 2008
Summary
A new Matrigel plug assay enables the creation of vascular networks using human endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in mice. This model aids in studying microvessel development and enhancing tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Vascularization is crucial for ischemic tissues and engineered organs.
- Developing models for vasculogenesis is essential for therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a versatile murine model for studying human vasculogenesis.
- To investigate the formation of microvascular networks from human cells in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Adapted Matrigel plug assay for subcutaneous implantation of human endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) into immunodeficient mice.
- Utilized cell labeling (e.g., GFP) for tracking and genetic modification studies.
Main Results:
- Formation of an extensive microvascular network composed of human EPCs and SMCs within one week.
- Demonstrated functional anastomoses with the host circulatory system, evidenced by host erythrocytes within human EPC-lined lumens.
- The assay allows modulation of microvessel density and cell type substitutions.
Conclusions:
- The developed murine model effectively replicates human vasculogenesis in vivo.
- This versatile assay is suitable for studying microvessel development, neovascularization, and tissue engineering strategies.
