Hypoxia and transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） increase vascular endothelial growth factor A （VEGFA） expression in a number of malignancies. This effect of hypoxia and TGF-β1 might be responsible for tumor ...Hypoxia and transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） increase vascular endothelial growth factor A （VEGFA） expression in a number of malignancies. This effect of hypoxia and TGF-β1 might be responsible for tumor progression and metastasis of advanced prostate cancer. In the present study, TGF-β1 was shown to induce VEGFA165 secretion from both normal cell lines （HPV7 and RWPE1） and prostate cancer cell lines （DU 145 and PC3）. Conversely, hypoxia-stimulated VEGFA165 secretion was observed only in prostate cancer cell lines. Hypoxia induced TGF-β1 expression in PC3 prostate cancer cells, and the TGF-β1 type I receptor （ALK5） kinase inhibitor partially blocked hypoxia-mediated VEGFA16s secretion. This effect of hypoxia provides a novel mechanism to increase VEGFA expression in prostate cancer cells. Although autocrine signaling of VEGFA has been implicated in prostate cancer progression and metastasis, the associated mechanism is poorly characterized. VEGFA activity is mediated via VEGF receptor （VEGFR） 1 （Fit-l） and 2 （FIk-I/KDR）. Whereas VEGFR-1 mRNA was detected in normal prostate epithelial cells, VEGFR-2 mRNA and VEGFR protein were expressed only in PC3 cells. VEGFA165 treatment induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 （ERKI/2） in PC3 cells but not in HPV7 cells, suggesting that the autocrine function of VEGFA may be uniquely associated with prostate cancer. Activation of VEGFR-2 by VEGFA165 was shown to enhance migration of PC3 cells. A similar effect was also observed with endogenous VEGFA induced by TGF-β1 and hypoxia. These findings illustrate that an autocrine loop of VEGFA via VEGFR-2 is critical for the tumorigenic effects of TGF-β1 and hypoxia on metastatic prostate cancers.展开更多
Regulation of the adhesion molecules expression by cytokine in vascular endothelial cells was investigated. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were stimulated with cytokines, TNF α (1-250 U/ml) or IL 1...Regulation of the adhesion molecules expression by cytokine in vascular endothelial cells was investigated. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were stimulated with cytokines, TNF α (1-250 U/ml) or IL 1β (0.1-50 U/ml) for 24 h. HUVEC were also cultured with cytokines, TNF α (100 U/ml) or IL 1β (10 U/ml), for 4-72 h, cell surface expression of adhesion molecules (ICAM 1 and VCAM 1) were detected and quantitated by immunocytochemical methods and computerized imaging analysis technique. Adhesion molecules expression were up regulated by TNF α, IL 1β in a concentration and time dependent manner. Some significant differences were observed between the effects of cytokines on the ICAM 1 and on VCAM 1 expression. Cytokines might directly induce the expression of ICAM 1 and VCAM 1 in vascular endothelial cells. Our observations indicate differential functions of the two adhesion molecules during the evolution of inflammatory responses in stroke.展开更多
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is associated with obesity,insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia and currently is estimated to affect up to a third of all individuals in developed countries.Current s...BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is associated with obesity,insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia and currently is estimated to affect up to a third of all individuals in developed countries.Current standard of care for patients varies according to disease stage,but includes lifestyle interventions common insulin sensitizers,antioxidants and lipid modifiers.However,to date specific therapies have shown little histological or fibrosis stage improvement in large clinical trials,and there is still no licensed therapy for NAFLD.Given the high prevalence,limited treatment options and significant screening costs for the general population,new treatments are urgently required.AIM To assess the potential for inhibition of the amine oxidase enzyme vascular adhesion protein-1(VAP-1)to modify hepatic lipid accumulation in NAFLD.METHODS We have used immunochemical and qPCR analysis to document expression of VAP-1 and key functional proteins and transporters across the NAFLD spectrum.We then utilised hepatocytes in culture and human precision cut liver slices in concert with selective enzyme activity inhibitors to test the effects of activating the semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase activity of VAP-1 on hepatic lipid uptake and triglyceride export.A murine model of NAFLD was also used to determine the consequences of VAP-1 knockout and gene expression arrays were used to quantify the effects of VAP-1 activity on key lipid modifying and proinflammatory gene expression.RESULTS We confirmed that increasing severity of NAFLD and progression to cirrhosis was associated with a significant increase in hepatocellular VAP-1 expression.Hepatocytes in vitro exposed to recombinant VAP-1 and its substrate methylamine showed increased lipid accumulation as determined by quantification of Oil Red O uptake.This was recapitulated using hydrogen peroxide,and lipid accumulation was accompanied by changes in expression of the lipid transporter molecules FABP3,FATP6,insulin receptor subunits and PPARα.Human liver tissue exposed to recombinant VAP-1 or substrates for endo/exogenous VAP-1 produced less triglyceride than untreated tissue and demonstrated an increase in steatosis.This response could be inhibited by using bromoethylamine to inhibit the SSAO activity of VAP-1,and mice deficient in VAP-1/AOC3 also demonstrated reduced steatosis on high fat diet.Exposure of human liver tissue to methylamine to activate VAP-1 resulted in increased expression of FABP2 and 4,FATP3-5,caveolin-1,VLDLR,PPARGC1 and genes associated with the inflammatory response.CONCLUSION Our data confirm that the elevations in hepatic VAP-1 expression reported in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis can contribute to steatosis,metabolic disturbance and inflammation.This suggests that targeting the semicarbazide sensitive amine oxidase capacity of VAP-1 may represent a useful adjunct to other therapeutic strategies in NAFLD.展开更多
Background Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) are two important cytokines in inflammatory response, which may induce rolling and adhesion of both leukocytes and l...Background Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) are two important cytokines in inflammatory response, which may induce rolling and adhesion of both leukocytes and lymphocytes, while modulating vascular permeability at the same time. These adhesion molecules usually serve as surrogate markers of activation and injury of vascular endothelial cells. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a key factor to induce the expression and production of the above cell adhesion molecules. However, it remains to be elucidated whether exogenous ubiquitin exerts any effect on the cytokines in sepsis-induced ALI. Methods Sixty mice were devided randomly into five groups with twelve mice in each group, i.e. CLP group, SHAM group, UB1 group (10 mg/kg), UB2 group (5 mg/kg) and UB3 group(1 mg/kg). Mice of SHAM group underwent sham operation, and other four groups underwent CLP. Six hours after surgery, mice of three UB groups received ubiquitin by caudal vein injection while CLP and SHAM group received vehicle. Seven hours after surgery, blood and lungs of all mice were collected. ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and TNF-α level of 9% lung homogenate and serum TNF-α level were measured by ELISA. Results Pulmonary ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and TNF-α level of three UB groups were lower than CLP and SHAM group, and there were several comparisons with a statistically significant difference. Serum TNF-α level of three UB groups were slightly lower than CLP group, but far higher than SHAM group. Pulmonary ICAM-1 level, VCAM-1 level and serum TNF-α level of UB3 group were lower than UB1 and UB2 group, and there was a significant difference in VCAM-1 between UB3 and UB1 group. Pulmonary TNF-α level of UB3 group was slightly higher than UB1 and UB2 group.展开更多
INTRODUCTIONMultiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) isthought to be a frequent consequence of sepsis[1-3].Despite substantial advances in our knowledge and understanding of the basic pathophysiologic mechanisms[4-7...INTRODUCTIONMultiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) isthought to be a frequent consequence of sepsis[1-3].Despite substantial advances in our knowledge and understanding of the basic pathophysiologic mechanisms[4-7], in critically ill patients infections and sepsis are still associated with a high mortality[8,9].展开更多
Summary： In order to investigate the expression of nerve growth factor （NGF） and hypoxia inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α） and its correlation with angiogenesis in non-small cell lung cancer （NSCLC）, paraffin-embe...Summary： In order to investigate the expression of nerve growth factor （NGF） and hypoxia inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α） and its correlation with angiogenesis in non-small cell lung cancer （NSCLC）, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks from 20 patients with NSCLC were examined. Twenty corresponding para-cancerous lung tissue specimens were obtained to serve as a control. The expression of NGF, HIF-1α, and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） in the NSCLC tissues was detected by using immunohistochemistry. The microvascular density （MVD） was determined by CD31 staining. The resuits showed that the expression levels ofNGF, HIF-1α and VEGF in the NSCLC tissues were remarkably higher than those in the para-cancerous lung tissues （P〈0.05）. There was significant difference in the MVD between the NSCLC tissues （9.19±1.43） and para-cancerous lung tissues （2.23±1.19） （P〈0.05）. There were positive correlations between NGF and VEGF, between HIF-1α and VEGF, and between NGF and HIF-1α in NSCLC tissues, with the spearman correlation coefficient being 0.588, 0.519 and 0.588, respectively. In NSCLC tissues, the MVD had a positive correlation with the three factors （P〈0.05）. Theses results suggest that NGF and HIF-1α are synergically involved in the angiogenesis of NSCLC.展开更多
Pingyangmycin (bleomycin A5 hydrochloride,PYM) is one of the anti-neoplastic agents which have been commonly used to treat venous malformations.However,the underlying mechanism by which PYM treats venous malformations...Pingyangmycin (bleomycin A5 hydrochloride,PYM) is one of the anti-neoplastic agents which have been commonly used to treat venous malformations.However,the underlying mechanism by which PYM treats venous malformations remains poorly understood.It was reported that venous endothelial cells could recruit neutrophils via adhesion molecules (E-selectin,ICAM-1,ICAM-3,VCAM-1) during the acute/chronic inflammation and subsequent histological fibrosis after sclerotherapy with PYM.This study explored if the expression of E-selectin,ICAM-1,ICAM-3 and VCAM-1 in human venous malformation endothelial cells could be affected by PYM.HVMECs were cultured from human venous malformation tissue.Expressions of E-selectin,ICAM-1,ICAM-3 and VCAM-1 on HVMECs in response to PYM were analyzed by cell ELISA.The relative levels of mRNA expression in the cells were semi-quantified.The results showed that PYM up-regulated the expressions of E-selectin,ICAM-3,VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in both time-and concentration-dependent manner.Our findings suggested that PYM could induce the expression of adhesion molecules in HVMECs,which might be a possible mechanism by which sclerotherapy by intralesional injection of PYM treats venous malformations.展开更多
Neovascularization and angiogenesis in the brain are important physiological processes for normal brain development and repair/regeneration following insults. Integrins are cell surface adhesion receptors mediating im...Neovascularization and angiogenesis in the brain are important physiological processes for normal brain development and repair/regeneration following insults. Integrins are cell surface adhesion receptors mediating important function of cells such as survival, growth and development during tissue organization, differentiation and organogenesis. In this study, we used an integrin-binding array platform to identify the important types of integrins and their binding peptides that facilitate adhesion, growth, development, and vascular-like network formation of rat primary brain microvascular endothelial cells. Brain microvascular endothelial cells were isolated from rat brain on post-natal day 7. Cells were cultured in a custom-designed integrin array system containing short synthetic peptides binding to 16 types of integrins commonly expressed on cells in vertebrates. After 7 days of culture, the brain microvascular endothelial cells were processed for immunostaining with markers for endothelial cells including von Willibrand factor and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule. 5-Bromo-2′-dexoyuridine was added to the culture at 48 hours prior to fixation to assess cell proliferation. Among 16 integrins tested, we found that α5β1, αvβ5 and αvβ8 greatly promoted proliferation of endothelial cells in culture. To investigate the effect of integrin-binding peptides in promoting neovascularization and angiogenesis, the binding peptides to the above three types of integrins were immobilized to our custom-designed hydrogel in three-dimensional(3 D) culture of brain microvascular endothelial cells with the addition of vascular endothelial growth factor. Following a 7-day 3 D culture, the culture was fixed and processed for double labeling of phalloidin with von Willibrand factor or platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule and assessed under confocal microscopy. In the 3 D culture in hydrogels conjugated with the integrin-binding peptide, brain microvascular endothelial cells formed interconnected vascular-like network with clearly discernable lumens, which is reminiscent of brain microvascular network in vivo. With the novel integrin-binding array system, we identified the specific types of integrins on brain microvascular endothelial cells that mediate cell adhesion and growth followed by functionalizing a 3 D hydrogel culture system using the binding peptides that specifically bind to the identified integrins, leading to robust growth and lumenized microvascular-like network formation of brain microvascular endothelial cells in 3 D culture. This technology can be used for in vitro and in vivo vascularization of transplants or brain lesions to promote brain tissue regeneration following neurological insults.展开更多
文摘Hypoxia and transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） increase vascular endothelial growth factor A （VEGFA） expression in a number of malignancies. This effect of hypoxia and TGF-β1 might be responsible for tumor progression and metastasis of advanced prostate cancer. In the present study, TGF-β1 was shown to induce VEGFA165 secretion from both normal cell lines （HPV7 and RWPE1） and prostate cancer cell lines （DU 145 and PC3）. Conversely, hypoxia-stimulated VEGFA165 secretion was observed only in prostate cancer cell lines. Hypoxia induced TGF-β1 expression in PC3 prostate cancer cells, and the TGF-β1 type I receptor （ALK5） kinase inhibitor partially blocked hypoxia-mediated VEGFA16s secretion. This effect of hypoxia provides a novel mechanism to increase VEGFA expression in prostate cancer cells. Although autocrine signaling of VEGFA has been implicated in prostate cancer progression and metastasis, the associated mechanism is poorly characterized. VEGFA activity is mediated via VEGF receptor （VEGFR） 1 （Fit-l） and 2 （FIk-I/KDR）. Whereas VEGFR-1 mRNA was detected in normal prostate epithelial cells, VEGFR-2 mRNA and VEGFR protein were expressed only in PC3 cells. VEGFA165 treatment induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 （ERKI/2） in PC3 cells but not in HPV7 cells, suggesting that the autocrine function of VEGFA may be uniquely associated with prostate cancer. Activation of VEGFR-2 by VEGFA165 was shown to enhance migration of PC3 cells. A similar effect was also observed with endogenous VEGFA induced by TGF-β1 and hypoxia. These findings illustrate that an autocrine loop of VEGFA via VEGFR-2 is critical for the tumorigenic effects of TGF-β1 and hypoxia on metastatic prostate cancers.
文摘Regulation of the adhesion molecules expression by cytokine in vascular endothelial cells was investigated. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were stimulated with cytokines, TNF α (1-250 U/ml) or IL 1β (0.1-50 U/ml) for 24 h. HUVEC were also cultured with cytokines, TNF α (100 U/ml) or IL 1β (10 U/ml), for 4-72 h, cell surface expression of adhesion molecules (ICAM 1 and VCAM 1) were detected and quantitated by immunocytochemical methods and computerized imaging analysis technique. Adhesion molecules expression were up regulated by TNF α, IL 1β in a concentration and time dependent manner. Some significant differences were observed between the effects of cytokines on the ICAM 1 and on VCAM 1 expression. Cytokines might directly induce the expression of ICAM 1 and VCAM 1 in vascular endothelial cells. Our observations indicate differential functions of the two adhesion molecules during the evolution of inflammatory responses in stroke.
文摘BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is associated with obesity,insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia and currently is estimated to affect up to a third of all individuals in developed countries.Current standard of care for patients varies according to disease stage,but includes lifestyle interventions common insulin sensitizers,antioxidants and lipid modifiers.However,to date specific therapies have shown little histological or fibrosis stage improvement in large clinical trials,and there is still no licensed therapy for NAFLD.Given the high prevalence,limited treatment options and significant screening costs for the general population,new treatments are urgently required.AIM To assess the potential for inhibition of the amine oxidase enzyme vascular adhesion protein-1(VAP-1)to modify hepatic lipid accumulation in NAFLD.METHODS We have used immunochemical and qPCR analysis to document expression of VAP-1 and key functional proteins and transporters across the NAFLD spectrum.We then utilised hepatocytes in culture and human precision cut liver slices in concert with selective enzyme activity inhibitors to test the effects of activating the semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase activity of VAP-1 on hepatic lipid uptake and triglyceride export.A murine model of NAFLD was also used to determine the consequences of VAP-1 knockout and gene expression arrays were used to quantify the effects of VAP-1 activity on key lipid modifying and proinflammatory gene expression.RESULTS We confirmed that increasing severity of NAFLD and progression to cirrhosis was associated with a significant increase in hepatocellular VAP-1 expression.Hepatocytes in vitro exposed to recombinant VAP-1 and its substrate methylamine showed increased lipid accumulation as determined by quantification of Oil Red O uptake.This was recapitulated using hydrogen peroxide,and lipid accumulation was accompanied by changes in expression of the lipid transporter molecules FABP3,FATP6,insulin receptor subunits and PPARα.Human liver tissue exposed to recombinant VAP-1 or substrates for endo/exogenous VAP-1 produced less triglyceride than untreated tissue and demonstrated an increase in steatosis.This response could be inhibited by using bromoethylamine to inhibit the SSAO activity of VAP-1,and mice deficient in VAP-1/AOC3 also demonstrated reduced steatosis on high fat diet.Exposure of human liver tissue to methylamine to activate VAP-1 resulted in increased expression of FABP2 and 4,FATP3-5,caveolin-1,VLDLR,PPARGC1 and genes associated with the inflammatory response.CONCLUSION Our data confirm that the elevations in hepatic VAP-1 expression reported in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis can contribute to steatosis,metabolic disturbance and inflammation.This suggests that targeting the semicarbazide sensitive amine oxidase capacity of VAP-1 may represent a useful adjunct to other therapeutic strategies in NAFLD.
文摘Background Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) are two important cytokines in inflammatory response, which may induce rolling and adhesion of both leukocytes and lymphocytes, while modulating vascular permeability at the same time. These adhesion molecules usually serve as surrogate markers of activation and injury of vascular endothelial cells. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a key factor to induce the expression and production of the above cell adhesion molecules. However, it remains to be elucidated whether exogenous ubiquitin exerts any effect on the cytokines in sepsis-induced ALI. Methods Sixty mice were devided randomly into five groups with twelve mice in each group, i.e. CLP group, SHAM group, UB1 group (10 mg/kg), UB2 group (5 mg/kg) and UB3 group(1 mg/kg). Mice of SHAM group underwent sham operation, and other four groups underwent CLP. Six hours after surgery, mice of three UB groups received ubiquitin by caudal vein injection while CLP and SHAM group received vehicle. Seven hours after surgery, blood and lungs of all mice were collected. ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and TNF-α level of 9% lung homogenate and serum TNF-α level were measured by ELISA. Results Pulmonary ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and TNF-α level of three UB groups were lower than CLP and SHAM group, and there were several comparisons with a statistically significant difference. Serum TNF-α level of three UB groups were slightly lower than CLP group, but far higher than SHAM group. Pulmonary ICAM-1 level, VCAM-1 level and serum TNF-α level of UB3 group were lower than UB1 and UB2 group, and there was a significant difference in VCAM-1 between UB3 and UB1 group. Pulmonary TNF-α level of UB3 group was slightly higher than UB1 and UB2 group.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 39870796
文摘INTRODUCTIONMultiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) isthought to be a frequent consequence of sepsis[1-3].Despite substantial advances in our knowledge and understanding of the basic pathophysiologic mechanisms[4-7], in critically ill patients infections and sepsis are still associated with a high mortality[8,9].
基金supported by the Scientific Research Program of Health Department of Hubei Province,China(No.JX6B04)
文摘Summary： In order to investigate the expression of nerve growth factor （NGF） and hypoxia inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α） and its correlation with angiogenesis in non-small cell lung cancer （NSCLC）, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks from 20 patients with NSCLC were examined. Twenty corresponding para-cancerous lung tissue specimens were obtained to serve as a control. The expression of NGF, HIF-1α, and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） in the NSCLC tissues was detected by using immunohistochemistry. The microvascular density （MVD） was determined by CD31 staining. The resuits showed that the expression levels ofNGF, HIF-1α and VEGF in the NSCLC tissues were remarkably higher than those in the para-cancerous lung tissues （P〈0.05）. There was significant difference in the MVD between the NSCLC tissues （9.19±1.43） and para-cancerous lung tissues （2.23±1.19） （P〈0.05）. There were positive correlations between NGF and VEGF, between HIF-1α and VEGF, and between NGF and HIF-1α in NSCLC tissues, with the spearman correlation coefficient being 0.588, 0.519 and 0.588, respectively. In NSCLC tissues, the MVD had a positive correlation with the three factors （P〈0.05）. Theses results suggest that NGF and HIF-1α are synergically involved in the angiogenesis of NSCLC.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei province,China (No.2010CDB07907)
文摘Pingyangmycin (bleomycin A5 hydrochloride,PYM) is one of the anti-neoplastic agents which have been commonly used to treat venous malformations.However,the underlying mechanism by which PYM treats venous malformations remains poorly understood.It was reported that venous endothelial cells could recruit neutrophils via adhesion molecules (E-selectin,ICAM-1,ICAM-3,VCAM-1) during the acute/chronic inflammation and subsequent histological fibrosis after sclerotherapy with PYM.This study explored if the expression of E-selectin,ICAM-1,ICAM-3 and VCAM-1 in human venous malformation endothelial cells could be affected by PYM.HVMECs were cultured from human venous malformation tissue.Expressions of E-selectin,ICAM-1,ICAM-3 and VCAM-1 on HVMECs in response to PYM were analyzed by cell ELISA.The relative levels of mRNA expression in the cells were semi-quantified.The results showed that PYM up-regulated the expressions of E-selectin,ICAM-3,VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in both time-and concentration-dependent manner.Our findings suggested that PYM could induce the expression of adhesion molecules in HVMECs,which might be a possible mechanism by which sclerotherapy by intralesional injection of PYM treats venous malformations.
基金supported by NIH grant RO1 NS093985 (to DS, NZ, XW) and RO1 NS101955 (to DS)the VCU Microscopy Facility,supported,in part,by funding from NIH-NCI Cancer Center Support Grant P30 CA016059。
文摘Neovascularization and angiogenesis in the brain are important physiological processes for normal brain development and repair/regeneration following insults. Integrins are cell surface adhesion receptors mediating important function of cells such as survival, growth and development during tissue organization, differentiation and organogenesis. In this study, we used an integrin-binding array platform to identify the important types of integrins and their binding peptides that facilitate adhesion, growth, development, and vascular-like network formation of rat primary brain microvascular endothelial cells. Brain microvascular endothelial cells were isolated from rat brain on post-natal day 7. Cells were cultured in a custom-designed integrin array system containing short synthetic peptides binding to 16 types of integrins commonly expressed on cells in vertebrates. After 7 days of culture, the brain microvascular endothelial cells were processed for immunostaining with markers for endothelial cells including von Willibrand factor and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule. 5-Bromo-2′-dexoyuridine was added to the culture at 48 hours prior to fixation to assess cell proliferation. Among 16 integrins tested, we found that α5β1, αvβ5 and αvβ8 greatly promoted proliferation of endothelial cells in culture. To investigate the effect of integrin-binding peptides in promoting neovascularization and angiogenesis, the binding peptides to the above three types of integrins were immobilized to our custom-designed hydrogel in three-dimensional(3 D) culture of brain microvascular endothelial cells with the addition of vascular endothelial growth factor. Following a 7-day 3 D culture, the culture was fixed and processed for double labeling of phalloidin with von Willibrand factor or platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule and assessed under confocal microscopy. In the 3 D culture in hydrogels conjugated with the integrin-binding peptide, brain microvascular endothelial cells formed interconnected vascular-like network with clearly discernable lumens, which is reminiscent of brain microvascular network in vivo. With the novel integrin-binding array system, we identified the specific types of integrins on brain microvascular endothelial cells that mediate cell adhesion and growth followed by functionalizing a 3 D hydrogel culture system using the binding peptides that specifically bind to the identified integrins, leading to robust growth and lumenized microvascular-like network formation of brain microvascular endothelial cells in 3 D culture. This technology can be used for in vitro and in vivo vascularization of transplants or brain lesions to promote brain tissue regeneration following neurological insults.
