Cell-Derived Basal Membrane-Like Extracellular Matrix Promotes Endothelial Cell Expansion and Functionalization.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Vascular Tissue Engineering
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Engineering cellular microenvironments with biomaterials is key for vascular tissue engineering.
• The natural basement membrane (BM) is crucial for endothelial cell (EC) expansion and function.
• Mimicking BM function with ideal biomaterials remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a cell-derived decellularized extracellular matrix (c-dECM) paper.
• To investigate its potential in mimicking the basement membrane's role.
• To evaluate its efficacy in promoting endothelial cell expansion and function.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a cell-derived decellularized extracellular matrix (c-dECM) paper.
• In vitro and in vivo assessments of EC behavior on the c-dECM scaffold.
• Analysis of EC proliferation, migration, adhesion, and gene expression.

Main Results:

• c-dECM paper demonstrated stability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability.
• Significant promotion of EC expansion via modulated migration, adhesion, and proliferation (in vitro and in vivo).
• Enhanced EC function through increased nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) synthesis, and upregulation of key vascular genes (THBD, TFPI, VEGF, CD105).

Conclusions:

• c-dECM paper effectively mimics the basement membrane's role in supporting ECs.
• This biomaterial significantly enhances both EC expansion and function.
• c-dECM holds promise for vascular tissue engineering scaffolds and in vitro EC model development.