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Perfusable Vascular Network with a Tissue Model in a Microfluidic Device
Published on: April 4, 2018
Spheroid-based human endothelial cell microvessel formation in vivo
Anna M Laib1, Arne Bartol, Abdullah Alajati
1Joint Research Division Vascular Biology of the Medical Faculty Mannheim (CBTM), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
Nature Protocols
|August 1, 2009
Summary
Researchers developed an endothelial transplantation assay using endothelial cell (EC) spheroids. This method creates functional, perfused 3D capillary networks in mice, bridging in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis research.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Angiogenesis Research
- Endothelial Cell Biology
Background:
- Angiogenic endothelial cells (ECs) are crucial in vascular biology.
- Existing in vitro and in vivo models for studying angiogenesis have limitations.
- Bridging cellular assays with in vivo complexity is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel endothelial transplantation assay.
- To connect the versatility of cellular assays with in vivo experimentation.
- To create a functional 3D capillary network in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Generating ex vivo endothelial cell (EC) spheroids.
- Grafting EC spheroids in a matrix into immunocompromised mice.
- Analyzing the resulting 3D vasculature via immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- The assay generates a 3D capillary network within 20 days.
- The developed vasculature connects to host mouse vasculature.
- The network is perfused and matures by recruiting host mural cells.
Conclusions:
- The endothelial transplantation assay provides a robust model for studying angiogenesis.
- This method effectively integrates in vitro EC spheroid generation with in vivo vascularization.
- The assay allows for detailed quantification of newly formed vasculature.
