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Updated: May 2, 2026

A Hydrogel Construct and Fibrin-based Glue Approach to Deliver Therapeutics in a Murine Myocardial Infarction Model.
Published on: June 14, 2015
The role of integrin α2 in cell and matrix therapy that improves perfusion, viability and function of infarcted
Ali Ahmadi1, Brian McNeill1, Branka Vulesevic1
1Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa K1Y 4W7, Canada; Molecular Function and Imaging Program, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa K1Y 4W7, Canada.
Abstract:
Injectable delivery matrices hold promise in enhancing engraftment and the overall efficacy of cardiac cell therapies; however, the mechanisms responsible remain largely unknown. Here we studied the interaction of a collagen matrix with circulating angiogenic cells (CACs) in a mouse myocardial infarction model. CACs + matrix treatment enhanced CAC engraftment, and improved myocardial perfusion, viability and function compared to cells or matrix alone. Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) was up-regulated in matrix-cultured CACs. Integrin α2β1 blocking prevented ILK up-regulation, significantly reduced the adhesion, proliferation, and paracrine properties of matrix-cultured CACs, and negated the benefits of CACs + matrix therapy in vivo. Furthermore, integrin α5 was essential for the angiogenic potential of CACs on matrix. These findings indicate that the synergistic therapeutic effect of CACs + matrix therapy in MI requires the matrix to enhance CAC function via α2β1 and α5 integrin signaling mechanisms, rather than simply delivering the cells.
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