Nanofibrous Membrane Promotes and Sustains Vascular Endothelial Barrier Function

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cell Biology
• Materials Science

Background:

• The vascular endothelium is crucial for physiological processes, acting as a barrier between blood and tissues.
• Maintaining endothelial barrier function is essential for accurate in vitro vascular models.
• Current models often fail to replicate the sustained barrier integrity seen in vivo.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of nanofibrous membrane pore size on endothelial barrier function.
• To develop improved in vitro vascular models using electrospun nanofibrous membranes.
• To elucidate the role of yes-associated protein (YAP) in endothelial barrier maintenance.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of 2D aligned nanofibrous membranes with varying pore sizes using electrospinning.
• Assessment of endothelial barrier function and permeability using these membranes.
• Analysis of yes-associated protein (YAP) nucleocytoplasmic localization in endothelial cells.

Main Results:

• Nanofibrous membranes promoted the formation of a tight vascular endothelium with sustained barrier function for over a month.
• Compared to transwell systems, nanofibrous membranes significantly enhanced endothelial barrier integrity.
• Aligned nanofibrous membranes with specific pore sizes were superior in preserving barrier function.
• Nanofibrous membranes promoted YAP expression and its nuclear localization, crucial for barrier function.

Conclusions:

• Electrospun nanofibrous membranes provide a superior platform for creating physiologically relevant in vitro vascular models.
• Pore size and alignment of nanofibrous membranes are critical factors in maintaining endothelial barrier function.
• This study advances the understanding of endothelial barrier formation and maintenance mechanisms.
• The findings offer a valuable strategy for improving in vitro vascular research.