Search

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2006.08.012 Byline: Shiri Uriel (a), Eric M. Brey (a)(b), Howard P. Greisler (b)(c)(d) Keywords: Neovascularization; Angiogenesis; FGF-1; Endothelial cells; Capillary regression Abstract: Therapeutic neovascularization using high growth factor concentrations may lead to transient vessel formation and abnormal microvascular structure. The goal of this study was to quantify temporal and concentration effects of fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) on the persistence and morphology of microvascular networks. Author Affiliation: (a) Pritzker Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA (b) Research Services, Hines VA Hospital, Hines, IL, USA (c) Department of Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, 2160 South First Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153, USA (d) Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA Article History: Received 22 May 2006; Revised 2 August 2006 Article Note: (footnote) Supported by grants from the NIH (R01-HL 41272, F32-HL074594) and the Veterans Administration (HPG, EMB).

The success of many therapies in regenerative medicine requires the ability to control the formation of stable vascular networks within tissues. The formation of new blood vessels, or neovascularization, is mediated, in part, by interactions between endothelial cells (ECs) and insoluble factors in the extracellular microenvironment. These interactions are determined by the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of the matrix. Understanding how extracellular matrices (ECMs) and synthetic scaffolds influence neovascularization can contribute to the fundamental knowledge of normal and diseased tissue physiology and can be used to guide the design of new therapies. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the complex role ECmatrix interactions play in neovascularization. A particular emphasis is placed on presenting differences in two subsets of ECM, basement membranes and stromal matrices, and identification of the properties of these matrices that define their biological functions. Attempts to apply information about ECECM interactions to enhance vascularization of synthetic materials are presented, and areas in need of further research are identified throughout this review. Our understanding of the role ECmatrix interactions play in neovascularization remains limited, but continued progress in this area could be of significant benefit to the design of clinically applicable engineered tissues.