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Micropatterning transcriptionally and phenotypically reprograms endothelial cells.
Paula Josic Dominovic1, Meghan E Fallon1, Jiaqing Pang1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
Acta Biomaterialia
|March 20, 2026
Summary
Topographical micropatterning of polyurethane biomaterials guides endothelial cells to an anti-inflammatory state, crucial for developing effective vascular grafts. This biomaterial architecture regulates cell behavior and gene expression, enhancing anti-immunogenic properties.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cell Biology
- Cardiovascular Engineering
Background:
- Vascular occlusions necessitate synthetic grafts, but current materials fail to support anti-immunogenic endothelium.
- Endothelial cells form a critical interface regulating inflammation and graft success.
- Topographical micropatterning offers a strategy to improve endothelialization of synthetic grafts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how topographical micropatterning of polyurethane influences endothelial cell behavior and gene expression.
- To determine if biomaterial-induced endothelial cell morphology promotes anti-inflammatory and anti-immunogenic properties.
- To elucidate the role of cytoskeletal elements, specifically vimentin and YAP, in mediating these responses.
Main Methods:
- Utilized topographical micropatterning on polyurethane biomaterials.
- Induced endothelial cell elongation and alignment.
- Performed bulk RNA-sequencing to analyze transcriptional changes.
- Characterized cell phenotype via gene/protein expression and chemokine secretion.
- Quantified vimentin and yes-associated protein (YAP) phosphorylation and localization.
Main Results:
- Micropatterning induced endothelial cell elongation and alignment, promoting an anti-inflammatory transcriptome.
- Reduced pro-inflammatory chemokine secretion and induced YAP phosphorylation, supporting anti-immunogenic properties.
- Found correlations between vimentin aggregation, YAP dephosphorylation, and suppressed pro-inflammatory gene expression.
- Demonstrated sustained anti-immunogenic function under pro-inflammatory conditions.
Conclusions:
- Biomaterial topography can effectively regulate endothelial cell behavior and promote anti-immunogenic functions.
- Topographical cues, independent of blood flow, modulate endothelial gene programs and cellular function.
- This approach offers a design lever for tuning endothelial function in vascular graft development.
