title: Cyclic strain modulates tubulogenesis of endothelial cells in a 3D tissue culture model.
abstract: Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels from preexisting capillaries or venules. It occurs in a mechanically dynamic environment due to blood flow, but the role of hemodynamic forces in angiogenesis remains poorly understood. We have developed a unique in vitro system for the investigation of angiogenesis under cyclic strain. In this system, tubulogenesis of vascular endothelial cells in 3D collagen gels occurs under well-defined cyclic strain, which mimics blood-pressure-induced stretch. Using this system, we demonstrate that cyclic strain results in alignment of endothelial-cord-like structures perpendicular to the principal axis of stretch. Such preferential orientation was the most evident in deep and long cord-like structures. This in vitro system, along with the novel findings of strain-modulated endothelial tube morphology, enables the formation of an experimental basis for understanding the role of cyclic strain in the regulation of angiogenesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, 20 South 2030 East, BPR Room 506, Salt Lake City, 84112, USA.
authors.forename: In Suk
authors.initials: IS
authors.lastname: Joung
authors.forename: Matthew N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Iwamoto
authors.forename: Yan-Ting
authors.initials: YT
authors.lastname: Shiu
authors.forename: Cole T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Quam
mesh_terms: D000199:Actins / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000166:cytology; D002196:Capillaries / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D002417:Cattle; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D002460:Cell Line; D002465:Cell Movement; D003094:Collagen / Q000494:pharmacology; D004548:Elasticity; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D005782:Gels; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D040542:Mechanotransduction, Cellular / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology*; D010507:Periodicity; D010812:Physical Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014841:von Willebrand Factor / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000199:Actins; D005782:Gels; D014841:von Willebrand Factor; D003094:Collagen