Modelling of chemotactic sprouting endothelial cells through an extracellular matrix

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Computational Biology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Sprouting angiogenesis is vital for vascular development and has broad health implications.
• Simulating this process accurately is crucial for understanding various biological phenomena.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an in-silico model for sprouting angiogenesis.
• To investigate the influence of extracellular matrix properties on endothelial cell sprouting dynamics and morphology.

Main Methods:

• Developed a continuous in-silico model of endothelial cell sprouting in a fibrin-based hydrogel.
• Incorporated extracellular matrix and chemotactic factor effects into a unified modeling parameter.
• Extended the model to include matrix sensing and degradation.
• Validated the model using a hybrid in-silico and experimental approach with microfluidic assays.

Main Results:

• The model successfully replicates chemotactic-induced sprouting without additional rules.
• Demonstrated the significant impact of extracellular matrix structure on angiogenic sprouting patterns.
• Validated model predictions against experimental data from microfluidic experiments.

Conclusions:

• The developed computational model provides a promising tool for predicting angiogenesis.
• Highlights the critical role of the extracellular matrix in regulating sprouting angiogenesis.
• Offers a novel approach to modeling complex biological processes in vascular development.