Beyond organoids: In vitro vasculogenesis and angiogenesis using cells from mammals and zebrafish

Abstract

The ability to culture complex organs is currently an important goal in biomedical research. It is possible to grow organoids (3D organ-like structures) in vitro; however, a major limitation of organoids, and other 3D culture systems, is the lack of a vascular network. Protocols developed for establishing in vitro vascular networks typically use human or rodent cells. A major technical challenge is the culture of functional (perfused) networks. In this rapidly advancing field, some microfluidic devices are now getting close to the goal of an artificially perfused vascular network. Another development is the emergence of the zebrafish as a complementary model to mammals. In this review, we discuss the culture of endothelial cells and vascular networks from mammalian cells, and examine the prospects for using zebrafish cells for this objective. We also look into the future and consider how vascular networks in vitro might be successfully perfused using microfluidic technology.

Exosomes in Angiogenesis and Anti-angiogenic Therapy in Cancers

“…The sprouting process is regulated by the balance between proangiogenic agents, including VEGF, and quiescence-inducing factors, such as pericyte contact and VEGF inhibitors [ 45 ]. At the onset, angiogenic expansion of primary capillary plexuses occurs, which leads to capillary vessel development and then capillary vessel system formation, together with physiological expansion of surrounding tissues [ 46 ]. This series of molecular and physiologic changes will lead to variability in the epithelium.…”

Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) Co-Culture with Osteogenic Cells: From Molecular Communication to Engineering Prevascularised Bone Grafts

“…Vasculogenesis refers to de novo assembly of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), their further differentiation to endothelial cells, proliferation and creation of the first primitive capillaries. Angiogenesis instead describes the formation of new capillaries from pre-existing blood vessels, which includes the migration of endothelial cells from the “mother” vessel [10,16]. Endothelial cells therefore represent an important participant in the both types of vessel formation processes.…”

The therapeutic potential of targeting the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition

“…Such an approach could also be feasible for harvested ECs to study EndMT-related diseases. Although it is possible to grow organoids in vitro, a main restriction of 3D-culture systems is the lack of a vascular network [131]. In light of the fact that EndMT demonstrably plays a role in angiogenesis [126], cultured ECs could potentially be used to create vascular networks through EndMT, contributing to the development of a fully vascularized organoid.…”