Whole-Transcriptome Sequencing: A Powerful Tool for Vascular Tissue Engineering and Endothelial Mechanobiology

Abstract

Among applicable high-throughput techniques in cardiovascular biology, whole-transcriptome sequencing is of particular use. By utilizing RNA that is isolated from virtually all cells and tissues, the entire transcriptome can be evaluated. In comparison with other high-throughput approaches, RNA sequencing is characterized by a relatively low-cost and large data output, which permits a comprehensive analysis of spatiotemporal variation in the gene expression profile. Both shear stress and cyclic strain exert hemodynamic force upon the arterial endothelium and are considered to be crucial determinants of endothelial physiology. Laminar blood flow results in a high shear stress that promotes atheroresistant endothelial phenotype, while a turbulent, oscillatory flow yields a pathologically low shear stress that disturbs endothelial homeostasis, making respective arterial segments prone to atherosclerosis. Severe atherosclerosis significantly impairs blood supply to the organs and frequently requires bypass surgery or an arterial replacement surgery that requires tissue-engineered vascular grafts. To provide insight into patterns of gene expression in endothelial cells in native or bioartificial arteries under different biomechanical conditions, this article discusses applications of whole-transcriptome sequencing in endothelial mechanobiology and vascular tissue engineering.

Characterization of Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells From Different Canine Vessels

“…It has been suggested that EC characteristics, regardless of whether they originate from arteries or veins, differ only in morphology due to hemodynamic pressure (Ives et al, 1986); therefore, single EC lines were commonly used for various vascular research questions. More recently, however, it has been reported that the morphology and functionality of ECs do indeed depend on their originating vessel and differ with respect to genetic background and micro-environmental factors (Aranguren et al, 2013; Hauser et al, 2017; Kutikhin et al, 2018). Obtaining human donor material from adult vessels is a challenge, which emphasizes the urge of an animal model capable of bridging this gap.…”

Change of Title: From High-Throughput to BioTech

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Founded in 2012, High-Throughput (formerly Microarrays) is a MDPI peer-reviewed journal that has published 216 articles so far, 29 of which are frequently cited (10 to 100 times) reports.The publication of experimental data in numerous fields (Chemistry, Biochemistry and Life Sciences in general), soon evidenced the multidisciplinary approach of the journal. The articles published over these years contain topics ranging from the presentation of computational and statistical tools for data analysis and interpretation [1,2], to the development of novel high-throughput techniques [3][4][5][6], the search for new materials [7,8], and a variety of results in the "omics" field [9][10][11][12][13][14]. If ever there was a doubt, the current publication of excellent works spanning these fields is the proof that the journal has successfully achieved its intended purpose.Alongside with regular volumes, a good number of special issues led by guest editors who are experts in the subject have published collections of articles focused on specific topics.The journal has now arrived at a turning point since High-Throughput will soon be renamed BioTech from the fourth issue in 2020.

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“…The publication of experimental data in numerous fields (Chemistry, Biochemistry and Life Sciences in general), soon evidenced the multidisciplinary approach of the journal. The articles published over these years contain topics ranging from the presentation of computational and statistical tools for data analysis and interpretation [ 1 , 2 ], to the development of novel high-throughput techniques [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ], the search for new materials [ 7 , 8 ], and a variety of results in the “omics” field [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. If ever there was a doubt, the current publication of excellent works spanning these fields is the proof that the journal has successfully achieved its intended purpose.…”