Vascular differentiation of human embryonic stem cells in bioactive hydrogel-based scaffolds.
The vascularization of tissue constructs remains a major challenge in regenerative medicine, as the diffusional supply of oxygen can support only 100-200 mum thick layers of viable tissue. The formation of a mature and functional vascular network requires communication between endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Potential sources of these cells that involve noninvasive methodologies are required for numerous applications including tissue-engineered vascular grafts, myocardial ischemia, wound healing, plastic surgery, and general tissue-engineering applications. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can be an unlimited source of these cells. They can be expanded in vitro in an undifferentiated state without apparent limit, and hES-derived cells can be created in virtually unlimited amounts for potential clinical uses. Recently, vascular progenitor cells as well as endothelial and smooth muscle cells have been isolated from hESCs.
Gerecht
Sharon
S
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Ferreira
Lino S
LS
Langer
Robert
R
D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002469:Cell Separation; D002470:Cell Survival; D018920:Coculture Techniques; D003911:Dextrans; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D020100:Hydrogels; D051379:Mice; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D032389:Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D023822:Tissue Engineering; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds
D015415:Biomarkers; D003911:Dextrans; D020100:Hydrogels; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid