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Published on: June 2, 2017
Nonlinear optical microscopy reveals invading endothelial cells anisotropically alter three-dimensional collagen
Po-Feng Lee1, Alvin T Yeh, Kayla J Bayless
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
Experimental Cell Research
|December 2, 2008
Summary
Endothelial cells (ECs) remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM) during angiogenesis. Nonlinear optical microscopy revealed ECs alter collagen density around lumens, utilizing matrix metalloproteinases and cell tension for sprout formation.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Endothelial cell (EC) and extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions are crucial for angiogenesis.
- Understanding EC behavior within the 3D ECM is vital for tissue engineering and disease research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To visualize and quantify endothelial sprouting morphogenesis in 3D collagen matrices using nonlinear optical microscopy (NLOM).
- To investigate the role of EC-ECM interactions and molecular mechanisms in regulating angiogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized NLOM, combining second harmonic generation (SHG) for collagen and two-photon excited fluorescence (TPF) for ECs.
- Performed dynamic 3D imaging of ECs within collagen matrices.
- Conducted proteinase and Rho-associated kinase (p160ROCK) inhibition studies.
Main Results:
- Observed dynamic EC interactions with collagen fibers, showing altered matrix density.
- Quantified increased collagen density between sprout bifurcation points and around lumenal structures.
- Demonstrated that matrix metalloproteinases and cell tension regulate sprout advancement and lumen expansion.
Conclusions:
- ECs actively remodel their surrounding ECM during sprouting angiogenesis.
- NLOM provides a powerful tool for studying cell-matrix dynamics in 3D.
- Specific molecular pathways, including matrix metalloproteinases and cell tension, are key regulators of EC morphogenesis within the ECM.
