Vascular Patterning as Integrative Readout of Complex Molecular and Physiological Signaling by VESsel GENeration...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Computational Biology
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Molecular signaling regulates angiogenesis and microvascular remodeling, crucial for development and disease.
• Quantifying complex, fractal vascular patterns is challenging.
• NASA's VESSEL GENERATION (VESGEN) Analysis software offers a solution for analyzing 2D vascular structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the application of VESGEN software for quantifying vascular patterns.
• To demonstrate VESGEN's utility in analyzing diverse biological and pathological conditions.
• To showcase VESGEN's role in 3D bioprinting and understanding microvascular remodeling.

Main Methods:

• Application of VESGEN Analysis software to 2D binary vascular images.
• Automated generation of vascular maps and quantification of parameters (tortuosity, fractal dimension, vessel diameter, etc.).
• Review of in vivo experimental examples and diverse pathological conditions.

Main Results:

• VESGEN provides automated, informative vascular maps and quantitative data.
• Demonstrated unique vascular "fingerprints" associated with specific cytokines and therapeutics.
• Illustrated applications in tumor xenografts, inflammatory conditions, retinal remodeling, and bioprinting.

Conclusions:

• VESGEN software is a powerful tool for analyzing complex vascular networks.
• The software facilitates research into angiogenesis, microvascular remodeling, and disease.
• VESGEN supports advancements in regenerative medicine and understanding physiological/pathological vascular changes.