Mechanism of a flow-gated angiogenesis switch: early signaling events at cell-matrix and cell-cell junctions

Dysfunctional mechanotransduction regulates the progression of PIK3CA-driven vascular malformations

Somatic activating mutations in PIK3CA are common drivers of vascular and lymphatic malformations. Despite common biophysical signatures of tissues susceptible to lesion formation, including compliant extracellular matrix and low rates of perfusion, lesions vary in clinical presentation from localized cystic dilatation to diffuse and infiltrative vascular dysplasia. The mechanisms driving the differences in disease severity and variability in clinical presentation and the role of the biophysical microenvironment in potentiating progression are poorly understood. Here, we investigate the role of hemodynamic forces and the biophysical microenvironment in the pathophysiology of vascular malformations (VMs), and we identify hemodynamic shear stress and defective endothelial cell mechanotransduction as key regulators of lesion progression. We found that constitutive PI3K activation impaired flow-mediated endothelial cell alignment and barrier function. We show that defective shear stress sensing in PIK3CAE542K endothelial cells is associated with reduced myosin light chain phosphorylation, junctional instability, and defective recruitment of vinculin to cell-cell junctions. Using three dimensional (3D) microfluidic models of the vasculature, we demonstrate that PIK3CAE542K microvessels apply reduced traction forces and are unaffected by flow interruption. We further found that draining transmural flow resulted in increased sprouting and invasion responses in PIK3CAE542K microvessels. Mechanistically, constitutive PI3K activation decreased cellular and nuclear elasticity resulting in defective cellular tensional homeostasis in endothelial cells which may underlie vascular dilation, tissue hyperplasia, and hypersprouting in PIK3CA-driven venous and lymphatic malformations. Together, these results suggest that defective nuclear mechanics, impaired cellular mechanotransduction, and maladaptive hemodynamic responses contribute to the development and progression of PIK3CA-driven vascular malformations.

Dysfunctional mechanotransduction regulates the progression of PIK3CA-driven vascular malformations

Somatic activating mutations in PIK3CA are common drivers of vascular and lymphatic malformations. Despite common biophysical signatures of tissues susceptible to lesion formation, including compliant extracellular matrix and low rates of perfusion, lesions vary in clinical presentation from localized cystic dilatation to diffuse and infiltrative vascular dysplasia. The mechanisms driving the differences in disease severity and variability in clinical presentation and the role of the biophysical microenvironment in potentiating progression are poorly understood. Here, we investigate the role of hemodynamic forces and the biophysical microenvironment in the pathophysiology of vascular malformations, and we identify hemodynamic shear stress and defective endothelial cell mechanotransduction as key regulators of lesion progression. We found that constitutive PI3K activation impaired flow-mediated endothelial cell alignment and barrier function. We show that defective shear stress sensing in PIK3CA E542K endothelial cells is associated with reduced myosin light chain phosphorylation, junctional instability, and defective recruitment of vinculin to cell-cell junctions. Using 3D microfluidic models of the vasculature, we demonstrate that PIK3CA E542K microvessels apply reduced traction forces and are unaffected by flow interruption. We further found that draining transmural flow resulted in increased sprouting and invasion responses in PIK3CA E542K microvessels. Mechanistically, constitutive PI3K activation decreased cellular and nuclear elasticity resulting in defective cellular tensional homeostasis in endothelial cells which may underlie vascular dilation, tissue hyperplasia, and hypersprouting in PIK3CA-driven venous and lymphatic malformations. Together, these results suggest that defective nuclear mechanics, impaired cellular mechanotransduction, and maladaptive hemodynamic responses contribute to the development and progression of PIK3CA-driven vascular malformations.

Engineering next generation vascularized organoids

Organoids are self-organizing 3D cell culture models that are valuable for studying the mechanisms underlying both development and disease in multiple species, particularly, in humans. These 3D engineered tissues can mimic the structure and function of human organs in vitro. Methods to generate organoids have substantially improved to better resemble, in various ways, their in vivo counterpart. One of the major limitations in current organoid models is the lack of a functional vascular compartment. Here we discuss methodological approaches to generating perfusable blood vessel networks in organoid systems. Inclusion of perfused vascular compartments markedly enhances the physiological relevance of organoid systems and is a critical step in the establishment of next generation, higher-complexity in vitro systems for use in developmental, clinical, and drug-development settings.

Reversible bonding in thermoplastic elastomer microfluidic platforms for harvestable 3D microvessel networks

Transplantable ready-made microvessels have therapeutic potential for tissue regeneration and cell replacement therapy. Inspired by the natural rapid angiogenic sprouting of microvessels in vivo, engineered injectable 3D microvessel networks are created using thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) microfluidic devices. The TPE material used here is flexible, optically transparent, and can be robustly yet reversibly bonded to a variety of plastic substrates, making it a versatile choice for microfluidic device fabrication because it overcomes the weak self-adhesion properties and limited manufacturing options of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). By leveraging the reversible bonding characteristics of TPE material templates, we present their utility as an organ-on-a-chip platform for forming and handling microvessel networks, and demonstrate their potential for animal-free tissue generation and transplantation in clinical applications. We first show that TPE-based devices have nearly 6-fold higher bonding strength during the cell culture step compared to PDMS-based devices while simultaneously maintaining a full reversible bond to (PS) culture plates, which are widely used for biological cell studies. We also demonstrate the successful generation of perfusable and interconnected 3D microvessel networks using TPE-PS microfluidic devices on both single and multi-vessel loading platforms. Importantly, after removing the TPE slab, microvessel networks remain intact on the PS substrate without any structural damage and can be effectively harvested following gel digestion. The TPE-based organ-on-a-chip platform offers substantial advantages by facilitating the harvesting procedure and maintaining the integrity of microfluidic-engineered microvessels for transplant. To the best of our knowledge, our TPE-based reversible bonding approach marks the first confirmation of successful retrieval of organ-specific vessel segments from the reversibly-bonded TPE microfluidic platform. We anticipate that the method will find applications in organ-on-a-chip and microphysiological system research, particularly in tissue analysis and vessel engraftment, where flexible and reversible bonding can be utilized.

Microfluidics as a Powerful Tool to Investigate Microvascular Dysfunction in Trauma Conditions: A Review of the State-of-the-Art

Skeletal muscle trauma such as fracture or crush injury can result in a life-threatening condition called acute compartment syndrome (ACS), which involves elevated compartmental pressure within a closed osteo-fascial compartment, leading to collapse of the microvasculature and resulting in necrosis of the tissue due to ischemia. Diagnosis of ACS is complex and controversial due to the lack of standardized objective methods, which results in high rates of misdiagnosis/late diagnosis, leading to permanent neuro-muscular damage. ACS pathophysiology is poorly understood at a cellular level due to the lack of physiologically relevant models. In this context, microfluidics organ-on-chip systems (OOCs) provide an exciting opportunity to investigate the cellular mechanisms of microvascular dysfunction that leads to ACS. In this article, the state-of-the-art OOCs designs and strategies used to investigate microvasculature dysfunction mechanisms is reviewed. The differential effects of hemodynamic shear stress on endothelial cell characteristics such as morphology, permeability, and inflammation, all of which are altered during microvascular dysfunction is highlighted. The article then critically reviews the importance of microfluidics to investigate closely related microvascular pathologies that cause ACS. The article concludes by discussing potential biomarkers of ACS with a special emphasis on glycocalyx and providing a future perspective.

Human 3D Ovarian Cancer Models Reveal Malignant Cell-Intrinsic and -Extrinsic Factors That Influence CAR T-cell Activity

In vitro preclinical testing of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells is mostly carried out in monolayer cell cultures. However, alternative strategies are needed to take into account the complexity and the effects of the tumor microenvironment. Here, we describe the modulation of CAR T-cell activity by malignant cells and fibroblasts in human three-dimensional (3D) in vitro cell models of increasing complexity. In models combining mucin-1 (MUC1) and TnMUC1 CAR T cells with human high-grade serous ovarian cancer cell spheroids, malignant cell-intrinsic resistance to CAR T-cell killing was due to defective death receptor signaling involving TNFα. Adding primary human fibroblasts to spheroids unexpectedly increased the ability of CAR T cells to kill resistant malignant cells as CCL2 produced by fibroblasts activated CCR2/4+ CAR T cells. However, culturing malignant cells and fibroblasts in collagen gels engendered production of a dense extracellular matrix that impeded CAR T-cell activity in a TGFβ-dependent manner. A vascularized microfluidic device was developed that allowed CAR T cells to flow through the vessels and penetrate the gels in a more physiological way, killing malignant cells in a TNFα-dependent manner. Complex 3D human cell models may provide an efficient way of screening multiple cytotoxic human immune cell constructs while also enabling evaluation of mechanisms of resistance involving cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, thus accelerating preclinical research on cytotoxic immune cell therapies in solid tumors. Significance: Three-dimensional in vitro models of increasing complexity uncover mechanisms of resistance to CAR T cells in solid tumors, which could help accelerate development of improved CAR T-cell constructs.

Transmural Flow Upregulates PD-L1 Expression in Microvascular Networks

Endothelial programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression is higher in tumors than in normal tissues. Also, tumoral vasculatures tend to be leakier than normal vessels leading to a higher trans-endothelial or transmural fluid flow. However, it is not clear whether such elevated transmural flow can control endothelial PD-L1 expression. Here, a new microfluidic device is developed to investigate the relationship between transmural flow and PD-L1 expression in microvascular networks (MVNs). After treating the MVNs with transmural flow for 24 h, the expression of PD-L1 in endothelial cells is upregulated. Additionally, CD8 T cell activation by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) is suppressed when cultured in the MVNs pre-conditioned with transmural flow. Moreover, transmural flow is able to further increase PD-L1 expression in the vessels formed in the tumor microenvironment. Finally, by utilizing blocking antibodies and knock-out assays, it is found that transmural flow-driven PD-L1 upregulation is controlled by integrin αVβ3. Overall, this study provides a new biophysical explanation for high PD-L1 expression in tumoral vasculatures.

Under pressure: integrated endothelial cell response to hydrostatic and shear stresses

Blood flow within the vasculature is a critical determinant of endothelial cell (EC) identity and functionality, yet the intricate interplay of various hemodynamic forces and their collective impact on endothelial and vascular responses are not fully understood. Specifically, the role of hydrostatic pressure in the EC flow response is understudied, despite its known significance in vascular development and disease. To address this gap, we developed in vitro models to investigate how pressure influences EC responses to flow. Our study demonstrates that elevated pressure conditions significantly modify shear-induced flow alignment and increase endothelial cell density. Bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing analyses revealed that, while shear stress remains the primary driver of flow-induced transcriptional changes, pressure modulates shear-induced signaling in a dose-dependent manner. These pressure-responsive transcriptional signatures identified in human ECs were conserved during the onset of circulation in early mouse embryonic vascular development, where pressure was notably associated with transcriptional programs essential to arterial and hemogenic EC fates. Our findings suggest that pressure plays a synergistic role with shear stress on ECs and emphasizes the need for an integrative approach to endothelial cell mechanotransduction, one that encompasses the effects induced by pressure alongside other hemodynamic forces.

Three dimensional (bio)printing of blood vessels: from vascularized tissues to functional arteries

Tissue engineering has emerged as a strategy for producing functional tissues and organs to treat diseases and injuries. Many chronic conditions directly or indirectly affect normal blood vessel functioning, necessary for material exchange and transport through the body and within tissue-engineered constructs. The interest in vascular tissue engineering is due to two reasons: (1) functional grafts can be used to replace diseased blood vessels, and (2) engineering effective vasculature within other engineered tissues enables connection with the host's circulatory system, supporting their survival. Among various practices, (bio)printing has emerged as a powerful tool to engineer biomimetic constructs. This has been made possible with precise control of cell deposition and matrix environment along with the advancements in biomaterials. (Bio)printing has been used for both engineering stand-alone vascular grafts as well as vasculature within engineered tissues for regenerative applications. In this review article, we discuss various conditions associated with blood vessels, the need for artificial blood vessels, the anatomy and physiology of different blood vessels, available 3D (bio)printing techniques to fabricate tissue-engineered vascular grafts and vasculature in scaffolds, and the comparison among the different techniques. We conclude our review with a brief discussion about future opportunities in the area of blood vessel tissue engineering.

Hypoxia suppresses glucose-induced increases in collective cell migration in vascular endothelial cell monolayers

Blood glucose levels fluctuate during daily life, and the oxygen concentration is low compared to the atmosphere. Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) maintain vascular homeostasis by sensing changes in glucose and oxygen concentrations, resulting in collective migration. However, the behaviors of ECs in response to high-glucose and hypoxic environments and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the collective migration of ECs simultaneously stimulated by changes in glucose and oxygen concentrations. Cell migration in EC monolayer formed inside the media channels of microfluidic devices was observed while varying the glucose and oxygen concentrations. The cell migration increased with increasing glucose concentration under normoxic condition but decreased under hypoxic condition, even in the presence of high glucose levels. In addition, inhibition of mitochondrial function reduced the cell migration regardless of glucose and oxygen concentrations. Thus, oxygen had a greater impact on cell migration than glucose, and aerobic energy production in mitochondria plays an important mechanistic role. These results provide new insights regarding vascular homeostasis relative to glucose and oxygen concentration changes.

Microfluidic-Based Reconstitution of Functional Lymphatic Microvasculature: Elucidating the Role of Lymphatics in Health and Disease

The knowledge of the blood microvasculature and its functional role in health and disease has grown significantly attributable to decades of research and numerous advances in cell biology and tissue engineering; however, the lymphatics (the secondary vascular system) has not garnered similar attention, in part due to a lack of relevant in vitro models that mimic its pathophysiological functions. Here, a microfluidic-based approach is adopted to achieve precise control over the biological transport of growth factors and interstitial flow that drive the in vivo growth of lymphatic capillaries (lymphangiogenesis). The engineered on-chip lymphatics with in vivo-like morphology exhibit tissue-scale functionality with drainage rates of interstitial proteins and molecules comparable to in vivo standards. Computational and scaling analyses of the underlying transport phenomena elucidate the critical role of the three-dimensional geometry and lymphatic endothelium in recapitulating physiological drainage. Finally, the engineered on-chip lymphatics enabled studies of lymphatic-immune interactions that revealed inflammation-driven responses by the lymphatics to recruit immune cells via chemotactic signals similar to in vivo, pathological events. This on-chip lymphatics platform permits the interrogation of various lymphatic biological functions, as well as screening of lymphatic-based therapies such as interstitial absorption of protein therapeutics and lymphatic immunomodulation for cancer therapy.

Biomechanical forces and force-triggered drug delivery in tumor neovascularization

Tumor angiogenesis is one of the typical hallmarks of tumor occurrence and development, and tumor neovascularization also exhibits distinct characteristics from normal blood vessels. As the number of cells and matrix inside the tumor increases, the biomechanical force is enhanced, specifically manifested as solid stress, fluid stress, stiffness, and topology. This mechanical microenvironment also provides shelter for tumors and intensifies angiogenesis, providing oxygen and nutritional support for tumor progression. During tumor development, the biomechanical microenvironment also emerges, which in turn feeds back to regulate the tumor progression, including tumor angiogenesis, and biochemical and biomechanical signals can regulate tumor angiogenesis. Blood vessels possess inherent sensitivity to mechanical stimuli, but compared to the extensive research on biochemical signal regulation, the study of the regulation of tumor neovascularization by biomechanical signals remains relatively scarce. Biomechanical forces can affect the phenotypic characteristics and mechanical signaling pathways of tumor blood vessels, directly regulating angiogenesis. Meanwhile, they can indirectly regulate tumor angiogenesis by causing an imbalance in angiogenesis signals and affecting stromal cell function. Understanding the regulatory mechanism of biomechanical forces in tumor angiogenesis is beneficial for better identifying and even taming the mechanical forces involved in angiogenesis, providing new therapeutic targets for tumor vascular normalization. Therefore, we summarized the composition of biomechanical forces and their direct or indirect regulation of tumor neovascularization. In addition, this review discussed the use of biomechanical forces in combination with anti-angiogenic therapies for the treatment of tumors, and biomechanical forces triggered delivery systems.

3D Bioprinting of Collagen-based Microfluidics for Engineering Fully-biologic Tissue Systems

Microfluidic and organ-on-a-chip devices have improved the physiologic and translational relevance of in vitro systems in applications ranging from disease modeling to drug discovery and pharmacology. However, current manufacturing approaches have limitations in terms of materials used, non-native mechanical properties, patterning of extracellular matrix (ECM) and cells in 3D, and remodeling by cells into more complex tissues. We present a method to 3D bioprint ECM and cells into microfluidic collagen-based high-resolution internally perfusable scaffolds (CHIPS) that address these limitations, expand design complexity, and simplify fabrication. Additionally, CHIPS enable size-dependent diffusion of molecules out of perfusable channels into the surrounding device to support cell migration and remodeling, formation of capillary-like networks, and integration of secretory cell types to form a glucose-responsive, insulin-secreting pancreatic-like microphysiological system.

A facile fluid pressure system reveals differential cellular response to interstitial pressure gradients and flow

Interstitial fluid pressure gradients and interstitial flow have been shown to drive morphogenic processes that shape tissues and influence progression of diseases including cancer. The advent of porous media microfluidic approaches has enabled investigation of the cellular response to interstitial flow, but questions remain as to the critical biophysical and biochemical signals imparted by interstitial fluid pressure gradients and resulting flow on resident cells and extracellular matrix (ECM). Here, we introduce a low-cost method to maintain physiological interstitial fluid pressures that is built from commonly accessible laboratory equipment, including a laser pointer, camera, Arduino board, and a commercially available linear actuator. We demonstrate that when the system is connected to a microfluidic device containing a 3D porous hydrogel, physiologic pressure is maintained with sub-Pascal resolution and when basic feedback control is directed using an Arduino, constant pressure and pressure gradient can be maintained even as cells remodel and degrade the ECM hydrogel over time. Using this model, we characterized breast cancer cell growth and ECM changes to ECM fibril structure and porosity in response to constant interstitial fluid pressure or constant interstitial flow. We observe increased collagen fibril bundling and the formation of porous structures in the vicinity of cancer cells in response to constant interstitial fluid pressure as compared to constant interstitial flow. Collectively, these results further define interstitial fluid pressure as a driver of key pathogenic responses in cells, and the systems and methods developed here will allow for future mechanistic work investigating mechanotransduction of interstitial fluid pressures and flows.

Extracellular Matrix-Derived Biophysical Cues Mediate Interstitial Flow-Induced Sprouting Angiogenesis

Sprouting angiogenesis is orchestrated by an intricate balance of biochemical and mechanical cues in the local tissue microenvironment. Interstitial flow has been established as a potent regulator of angiogenesis. Similarly, extracellular matrix (ECM) physical properties, such as stiffness and microarchitecture, have also emerged as important mediators of angiogenesis. However, the interplay between interstitial flow and ECM physical properties in the initiation and control of angiogenesis is poorly understood. Using a three-dimensional (3D) microfluidic tissue analogue of angiogenic sprouting with defined interstitial flow superimposed over ECM with well-characterized physical properties, we found that the addition of hyaluronan (HA) to collagen-based matrices significantly enhances sprouting induced by interstitial flow compared to responses in collagen-only hydrogels. We confirmed that both the stiffness and matrix pore size of collagen-only hydrogels were increased by the addition of HA. Interestingly, interstitial flow-potentiated sprouting responses in collagen/HA matrices were not affected when functionally blocking the HA receptor CD44. In contrast, enzymatic depletion of HA in collagen/HA matrices with hyaluronidase (HAdase) resulted in decreased stiffness, pore size, and interstitial flow-mediated sprouting to the levels observed in collagen-only matrices. Taken together, these results suggest that HA enhances interstitial flow-mediated angiogenic sprouting through its alterations to collagen ECM stiffness and pore size.

Mechanical regulation of the early stages of angiogenesis

Favouring or thwarting the development of a vascular network is essential in fields as diverse as oncology, cardiovascular disease or tissue engineering. As a result, understanding and controlling angiogenesis has become a major scientific challenge. Mechanical factors play a fundamental role in angiogenesis and can potentially be exploited for optimizing the architecture of the resulting vascular network. Largely focusing on in vitro systems but also supported by some in vivo evidence, the aim of this Highlight Review is dual. First, we describe the current knowledge with particular focus on the effects of fluid and solid mechanical stimuli on the early stages of the angiogenic process, most notably the destabilization of existing vessels and the initiation and elongation of new vessels. Second, we explore inherent difficulties in the field and propose future perspectives on the use of in vitro and physics-based modelling to overcome these difficulties.

Interstitial flow promotes the formation of functional microvascular networks in vitro through upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2

Self-organized microvascular networks (MVNs) have become key to the development of many microphysiological models. However, the self-organizing nature of this process combined with variations between types or batches of endothelial cells (ECs) often lead to inconsistency or failure to form functional MVNs. Since interstitial flow (IF) has been reported to play a beneficial role in angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, and 3D capillary morphogenesis, we systematically investigated the role IF plays during neovessel formation in a customized single channel microfluidic chip for which IF has been fully characterized. Compared to static conditions, MVNs formed under IF have higher vessel density and diameters and greater network perfusability. Through a series of inhibitory experiments, we demonstrated that IF treatment improves vasculogenesis by ECs through upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). We then successfully implemented a novel strategy involving the interplay between IF and MMP-2 inhibitor to regulate morphological parameters of the self-organized MVNs, with vascular permeability and perfusability well maintained. The revealed mechanism and proposed methodology were further validated with a brain MVN model. Our findings and methods have the potential to be widely utilized to boost the development of various organotypic MVNs and could be incorporated into related bioengineering applications where perfusable vasculature is desired.

Musculoskeletal tissues-on-a-chip: role of natural polymers in reproducing tissue-specific microenvironments

Over the past years, 3D in vitro models have been widely employed in the regenerative medicine field. Among them, organ-on-a-chip technology has the potential to elucidate cellular mechanism exploiting multichannel microfluidic devices to establish 3D co-culture systems that offer control over the cellular, physico-chemical and biochemical microenvironments. To deliver the most relevant cues to cells, it is of paramount importance to select the most appropriate matrix for mimicking the extracellular matrix of the native tissue. Natural polymers-based hydrogels are the elected candidates for reproducing tissue-specific microenvironments in musculoskeletal tissue-on-a-chip models owning to their interesting and peculiar physico-chemical, mechanical and biological properties. Despite these advantages, there is still a gap between the biomaterials complexity in conventional tissue engineering and the application of these biomaterials in 3D in vitro microfluidic models. In this review, the aim is to suggest the adoption of more suitable biomaterials, alternative crosslinking strategies and tissue engineered-inspired approaches in organ-on-a-chip to better mimic the complexity of physiological musculoskeletal tissues. Accordingly, after giving an overview of the musculoskeletal tissue compositions, the properties of the main natural polymers employed in microfluidic systems are investigated, together with the main musculoskeletal tissues-on-a-chip devices.

Low-cost rapid prototyping and assembly of an open microfluidic device for a 3D vascularized organ-on-a-chip

Reconstruction of 3D vascularized microtissues within microfabricated devices has rapidly developed in biomedical engineering, which can better mimic the tissue microphysiological function and accurately model human diseases in vitro. However, the traditional PDMS-based microfluidic devices suffer from the microfabrication with complex processes and usage limitations of either material properties or microstructure design, which drive the demand for easy processing and more accessible devices with a user-friendly interface. Here, we present an open microfluidic device through a rapid prototyping method by laser cutting in a cost-effective manner with high flexibility and compatibility. This device allows highly efficient and robust hydrogel patterning under a liquid guiding rail by spontaneous capillary action without the need for surface treatment. Different vascularization mechanisms including vasculogenesis and angiogenesis were performed to construct a 3D perfusable microvasculature inside a tissue chamber with various shapes under different microenvironment factors. Furthermore, as a proof-of-concept we have created a vascularized spheroid by placing a monoculture spheroid into the central through-hole of this device, which formed angiogenesis between the spheroid and microvascular network. This open microfluidic device has great potential for mass customization without the need for complex microfabrication equipment in the cleanroom, which can facilitate studies requiring high-throughput and high-content screening.

Angiogenesis and Functional Vessel Formation Induced by Interstitial Flow and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Using a Microfluidic Chip

Angiogenesis occurs during both physiological and pathological processes. In this study, a microfluidic chip for the development of angiogenesis was utilized to assess angiogenic sprouting and functional vessel formation. We also found that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was a determinant of the initiation of vascular sprouts, while the direction of these sprouts was greatly influenced by interstitial flow. Isoforms of VEGF such as VEGF₁₂₁, VEGF₁₆₅, and VEGF₁₈₉ displayed different angiogenic properties on the chip as assessed by sprout length and number, vessel perfusion, and connectivity. VEGF₁₆₅ had the highest capacity to induce vascular sprouting among the three isoforms assessed and furthermore, also induced functional vessel formation. This chip could be used to analyze the effect of different angiogenic factors and drugs, as well as to explore the mechanism of angiogenesis induced by such factors.

Multilayer microfluidic platform for the study of luminal, transmural, and interstitial flow

Efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues requires an intricate balance of blood, lymphatic, and interstitial fluid pressures (IFPs), and gradients in fluid pressure drive the flow of blood, lymph, and interstitial fluid through tissues. While specific fluid mechanical stimuli, such as wall shear stress, have been shown to modulate cellular signaling pathways along with gene and protein expression patterns, an understanding of the key signals imparted by flowing fluid and how these signals are integrated across multiple cells and cell types in native tissues is incomplete due to limitations with current assays. Here, we introduce a multi-layer microfluidic platform (MμLTI-Flow) that enables the culture of engineered blood and lymphatic microvessels and independent control of blood, lymphatic, and IFPs. Using optical microscopy methods to measure fluid velocity for applied input pressures, we demonstrate varying rates of interstitial fluid flow as a function of blood, lymphatic, and interstitial pressure, consistent with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models. The resulting microfluidic and computational platforms will provide for analysis of key fluid mechanical parameters and cellular mechanisms that contribute to diseases in which fluid imbalances play a role in progression, including lymphedema and solid cancer.

The biophysics of cancer: emerging insights from micro- and nanoscale tools

Cancer is a complex and dynamic disease that is aberrant both biologically and physically. There is growing appreciation that physical abnormalities with both cancer cells and their microenvironment that span multiple length scales are important drivers for cancer growth and metastasis. The scope of this review is to highlight the key advancements in micro- and nano-scale tools for delineating the cause and consequences of the aberrant physical properties of tumors. We focus our review on three important physical aspects of cancer: 1) solid mechanical properties, 2) fluid mechanical properties, and 3) mechanical alterations to cancer cells. Beyond posing physical barriers to the delivery of cancer therapeutics, these properties are also known to influence numerous biological processes, including cancer cell invasion and migration leading to metastasis, and response and resistance to therapy. We comment on how micro- and nanoscale tools have transformed our fundamental understanding of the physical dynamics of cancer progression and their potential for bridging towards future applications at the interface of oncology and physical sciences.

Interstitial flow enhances the formation, connectivity, and function of 3D brain microvascular networks generated within a microfluidic device

The bulk flow of interstitial fluid through tissue is an important factor in human biology, including the development of brain microvascular networks (MVNs) with the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Bioengineering perfused, functional brain MVNs has great potential for modeling neurovascular diseases and drug delivery. However, most in vitro models of brain MVNs do not implement interstitial flow during the generation of microvessels. Using a microfluidic device (MFD), we cultured primary human brain endothelial cells (BECs), pericytes, and astrocytes within a 3D fibrin matrix with (flow) and without (static) interstitial flow. We found that the bulk flow of interstitial fluid was beneficial for both BEC angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. Brain MVNs cultured under flow conditions achieved anastomosis and were perfusable, whereas those under static conditions lacked connectivity and the ability to be perfused. Compared to static culture, microvessels developed in flow culture exhibited an enhanced vessel area, branch length and diameter, connectivity, and longevity. Although there was no change in pericyte coverage of microvessels, a slight increase in astrocyte coverage was observed under flow conditions. In addition, the immunofluorescence intensity of basal lamina proteins, collagen IV and laminin, was nearly doubled in flow culture. Lastly, the barrier function of brain microvessels was enhanced under flow conditions, as demonstrated by decreased dextran permeability. Taken together, these results highlighted the importance of interstitial flow in the in vitro generation of perfused brain MVNs with characteristics similar to those of the human BBB.

Physiologic flow-conditioning limits vascular dysfunction in engineered human capillaries

Hemodynamics play a central role in the health and disease of the coronary and peripheral vascular systems. Vessel-lining endothelial cells are known mechanosensors, responding to disturbances in flow - with mechanosensitivity hypothesized to change in response to metabolic demands. The health of our smallest microvessels have been lauded as a prognostic marker for cardiovascular health. Yet, despite numerous animal models, studying these small vessels has proved difficult. Microfluidic technologies have allowed a number of 3D vascular models to be developed and used to investigate human vessels. Here, two such systems are employed for examining 1) interstitial flow effects on neo-vessel formation, and 2) the effects of flow-conditioning on vascular remodeling following sustained static culture. Interstitial flow is shown to enhance early vessel formation via significant remodeling of vessels and interconnected tight junctions of the endothelium. In formed vessels, continuous flow maintains a stable vascular diameter and causes significant remodeling, contrasting the continued anti-angiogenic decline of statically cultured vessels. This study is the first to couple complex 3D computational flow distributions and microvessel remodeling from microvessels grown on-chip (exposed to flow or no-flow conditions). Flow-conditioned vessels (WSS < 1Pa for 30 μm vessels) increase endothelial barrier function, result in significant changes in gene expression and reduce reactive oxygen species and anti-angiogenic cytokines. Taken together, these results demonstrate microvessel mechanosensitivity to flow-conditioning, which limits deleterious vessel regression in vitro, and could have implications for future modeling of reperfusion/no-flow conditions.

A Pillar-Free Diffusion Device for Studying Chemotaxis on Supported Lipid Bilayers

Chemotactic cell migration plays a crucial role in physiological and pathophysiological processes. In tissues, cells can migrate not only through extracellular matrix (ECM), but also along stromal cell surfaces via membrane-bound receptor–ligand interactions to fulfill critical functions. However, there remains a lack of models recapitulating chemotactic migration mediated through membrane-bound interactions. Here, using micro-milling, we engineered a multichannel diffusion device that incorporates a chemoattractant gradient and a supported lipid bilayer (SLB) tethered with membrane-bound factors that mimics stromal cell membranes. The chemoattractant channels are separated by hydrogel barriers from SLB in the cell loading channel, which enable precise control of timing and profile of the chemokine gradients applied on cells interacting with SLB. The hydrogel barriers are formed in pillar-free channels through a liquid pinning process, which eliminates complex cleanroom-based fabrications and distortion of chemoattractant gradient by pillars in typical microfluidic hydrogel barrier designs. As a proof-of-concept, we formed an SLB tethered with ICAM-1, and demonstrated its lateral mobility and different migratory behavior of Jurkat T cells on it from those on immobilized ICAM-1, under a gradient of chemokine CXCL12. Our platform can thus be widely used to investigate membrane-bound chemotaxis such as in cancer, immune, and stem cells.

Endothelial barrier function is co-regulated at vessel bifurcations by fluid forces and sphingosine-1-phosphate

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive sphingolipid mediator of endothelial barrier function. Prior studies have implicated mechanical stimulation due to intravascular laminar shear stress in co-regulating S1P signaling in endothelial cells (ECs). Yet, vascular networks in vivo consist of vessel bifurcations, and this geometry generates hemodynamic forces at the bifurcation point distinct from laminar shear stress. However, the role of these forces at vessel bifurcations in regulating S1P-dependent endothelial barrier function is not known. In this study, we implemented a microfluidic platform that recapitulates the flow dynamics of vessel bifurcations with in situ quantification of the permeability of microvessel analogues. Co-application of S1P with impinging bifurcated fluid flow, which is characterized by approximately zero shear stress and 38 dyn•cm-2 stagnation pressure at the vessel bifurcation point, promotes vessel stabilization. Similarly, co-treatment of S1P with 3 dyn•cm-2 laminar shear stress is also protective of endothelial barrier function. Moreover, it is shown that vessel stabilization due to bifurcated fluid flow and laminar shear stress is dependent on S1P receptor 1 or 2 signaling. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the endothelium-protective function of fluid forces at vessel bifurcations and their involvement in coordinating S1P-dependent regulation of vessel permeability.

From remodeling to quiescence: The transformation of the vascular network

The vascular system is essential for embryogenesis, healing, and homeostasis. Dysfunction or deregulated blood vessel function contributes to multiple diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, cancer, hypertension, or vascular malformations. A balance between the formation of new blood vessels, vascular remodeling, and vessel quiescence is fundamental for tissue growth and function. Whilst the major mechanisms contributing to the formation of new blood vessels have been well explored in recent years, vascular remodeling and quiescence remain poorly understood. In this review, we highlight the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for vessel remodeling and quiescence during angiogenesis. We further underline how impaired remodeling and/or destabilization of vessel networks can contribute to vascular pathologies. Finally, we speculate how addressing the molecular mechanisms of vascular remodeling and stabilization could help to treat vascular-related disorders.

Integration of substrate- and flow-derived stresses in endothelial cell mechanobiology

Endothelial cells (ECs) lining all blood vessels are subjected to large mechanical stresses that regulate their structure and function in health and disease. Here, we review EC responses to substrate-derived biophysical cues, namely topography, curvature, and stiffness, as well as to flow-derived stresses, notably shear stress, pressure, and tensile stresses. Because these mechanical cues in vivo are coupled and are exerted simultaneously on ECs, we also review the effects of multiple cues and describe burgeoning in vitro approaches for elucidating how ECs integrate and interpret various mechanical stimuli. We conclude by highlighting key open questions and upcoming challenges in the field of EC mechanobiology.

Biologically-Based Mathematical Modeling of Tumor Vasculature and Angiogenesis via Time-Resolved Imaging Data

Tumor-associated vasculature is responsible for the delivery of nutrients, removal of waste, and allowing growth beyond 2-3 mm3. Additionally, the vascular network, which is changing in both space and time, fundamentally influences tumor response to both systemic and radiation therapy. Thus, a robust understanding of vascular dynamics is necessary to accurately predict tumor growth, as well as establish optimal treatment protocols to achieve optimal tumor control. Such a goal requires the intimate integration of both theory and experiment. Quantitative and time-resolved imaging methods have emerged as technologies able to visualize and characterize tumor vascular properties before and during therapy at the tissue and cell scale. Parallel to, but separate from those developments, mathematical modeling techniques have been developed to enable in silico investigations into theoretical tumor and vascular dynamics. In particular, recent efforts have sought to integrate both theory and experiment to enable data-driven mathematical modeling. Such mathematical models are calibrated by data obtained from individual tumor-vascular systems to predict future vascular growth, delivery of systemic agents, and response to radiotherapy. In this review, we discuss experimental techniques for visualizing and quantifying vascular dynamics including magnetic resonance imaging, microfluidic devices, and confocal microscopy. We then focus on the integration of these experimental measures with biologically based mathematical models to generate testable predictions.

On-chip determination of tissue-specific metastatic potential of breast cancer cells

Metastasis is one of the major obstacles for breast cancer patients. Limitations of current models demand the development of custom platforms to predict metastatic potential and homing choices of cancer cells. Here, two organ-on-chip platforms, invasion/chemotaxis (IC-chip) and extravasation (EX-chip) were used for the quantitative assessment of invasion and extravasation towards specific tissues. Lung, liver and breast microenvironments were simulated in the chips using tissue-specific cells embedded in matrigel. In the IC-chip, invasive MDA-MB-231, but not noninvasive MCF-7 breast cancer cells invaded into lung and liver microenvironments. In the EX-chip, MDA-MB-231 cells extravasated more into the lung compared to the liver and breast microenvironments. In addition, lung-specific MDA-MB-231 clone invaded and extravasated into the lung microenvironment more efficiently than the bone-specific clone. Both invasion/chemotaxis and extravasation results were in agreement with published clinical data. Collectively, our results show that IC-chip and EX-chip, simulating tissue-specific microenvironments, can distinguish different in vivo metastatic phenotypes, in vitro. Determination of tissue-specific metastatic potential of breast cancer cells is expected to improve diagnosis and help select the ideal therapy.

Review on the Vascularization of Organoids and Organoids-on-a-hip

The use of human cells for the construction of 3D organ models in vitro based on cell self-assembly and engineering design has recently increased in popularity in the field of biological science. Although the organoids are able to simulate the structures and functions of organs in vitro, the 3D models have difficulty in forming a complex vascular network that can recreate the interaction between tissue and vascular systems. Therefore, organoids are unable to survive, due to the lack of oxygen and nutrients, as well as the accumulation of metabolic waste. Organoids-on-a-chip provides a more controllable and favorable design platform for co-culture of different cells and tissue types in organoid systems, overcoming some of the limitations present in organoid culture. However, the majority of them has vascular networks that are not adequately elaborate to simulate signal communications between bionic microenvironment (e.g., fluid shear force) and multiple organs. Here, we will review the technological progress of the vascularization in organoids and organoids-on-a-chip and the development of intravital 3D and 4D bioprinting as a new way for vascularization, which can aid in further study on tissue or organ development, disease research and regenerative medicine.

Heterogeneous Glioma Cell Invasion Under Interstitial Flow Depending on Their Differentiation Status

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal type of malignant brain tumor. A deeper mechanistic understanding of the invasion of heterogeneous GBM cell populations is crucial to develop therapeutic strategies. A key regulator of GBM cell invasion is interstitial flow. However, the effect of an interstitial flow on the invasion of heterogeneous GBM cell populations composed of glioma initiating cells (GICs) and relatively differentiated progeny cells remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated how GICs invade three-dimensional (3D) hydrogels in response to an interstitial flow with respect to their differentiation status. Microfluidic culture systems were used to apply an interstitial flow to the cells migrating from the cell aggregates into the 3D hydrogel. Phase-contrast microscopy revealed that the invasion and protrusion formation of the GICs in differentiated cell conditions were significantly enhanced by a forward interstitial flow, whose direction was the same as that of the cell invasion, whereas those in stem cell conditions were not enhanced by the interstitial flow. The mechanism of flow-induced invasion was further investigated by focusing on differentiated cell conditions. Immunofluorescence images revealed that the expression of cell-extracellular matrix adhesion-associated molecules, such as integrin β1, focal adhesion kinase, and phosphorylated Src, was upregulated in forward interstitial flow conditions. We then confirmed that cell invasion and protrusion formation were significantly inhibited by PP2, a Src inhibitor. Finally, we observed that the flow-induced cell invasion was preceded by nestin-positive immature GICs at the invasion front and followed by tubulin β3-positive differentiated cells. Our findings provide insights into the development of novel therapeutic strategies to inhibit flow-induced glioma invasion. Impact statement A mechanistic understanding of heterogeneous glioblastoma cell invasion is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies. We observed that the invasion and protrusion formation of glioma initiating cells (GICs) were significantly enhanced by forward interstitial flow in differentiated cell conditions. The expression of integrin β1, focal adhesion kinase, and phosphorylated Src was upregulated, and the flow-induced invasion was significantly inhibited by a Src inhibitor. The flow-induced heterogeneous cell invasion was preceded by nestin-positive GICs at the invasion front and followed by tubulin β3-positive differentiated cells. Our findings provide insights into the development of novel therapeutic strategies to inhibit flow-induced glioma invasion.

Vascularized organoids on a chip: strategies for engineering organoids with functional vasculature

Human organoids, self-organized and differentiated from homogenous pluripotent stem cells (PSC), replicate the key structural and functional characteristics of their in vivo counterparts. Despite the rapid advancement of organoid technology and its diverse applications, major limitations in achieving truly in vivo like functionality have been the lack of matured structural organization and constraints on tissue size, both of which are direct consequences of lacking a functional vasculature. In the absence of perfusable vessels, a core region within organoids quickly becomes necrotic during development due to increased metabolic demands that cannot be met by diffusion alone. Thus, incorporating functional vasculature in organoid models is indispensable for their growth in excess of several hundred microns and maturaturation beyond the embryonic and fetal phase. Here, we review recent advancements in vascularizing organoids and engineering in vitro capillary beds, and further explore strategies to integrate them on a microfluidic based platform, aiming for establishing perfused vasculature throughout organoids in vitro.

3D Microfluidic Platform and Tumor Vascular Mapping for Evaluating Anti-Angiogenic RNAi-Based Nanomedicine

Three-dimensional (3D) visualization of tumor vasculature is a key factor in accurate evaluation of RNA interference (RNAi)-based antiangiogenic nanomedicine, a promising approach for cancer therapeutics. However, this remains challenging because there is not a physiologically relevant in vitro model or precise analytic methodology. To address this limitation, a strategy based on 3D microfluidic angiogenesis-on-a-chip and 3D tumor vascular mapping was developed for evaluating RNAi-based antiangiogenic nanomedicine. We developed a microfluidic model to recapitulate functional 3D angiogenic sprouting when co-cultured with various cancer cell types. This model enabled efficient and rapid assessment of antiangiogenic nanomedicine in treatment of hyper-angiogenic cancer. In addition, tissue-clearing-based whole vascular mapping of tumor xenograft allowed extraction of complex 3D morphological information in diverse quantitative parameters. Using this 3D imaging-based analysis, we observed tumor sub-regional differences in the antiangiogenic effect. Our systematic strategy can help in narrowing down the promising targets of antiangiogenic nanomedicine and then enables deep analysis of complex morphological changes in tumor vasculature, providing a powerful platform for the development of safe and effective nanomedicine for cancer therapeutics.

Direct current electric field regulates endothelial permeability under physiologically relevant fluid forces in a microfluidic vessel bifurcation model

Previous in vitro studies have reported on the use of direct current electric fields (DC-EFs) to regulate vascular endothelial permeability, which is important for tissue regeneration and wound healing. However, these studies have primarily used static 2D culture models that lack the fluid mechanical forces associated with blood flow experienced by endothelial cells (ECs) in vivo. Hence, the effect of DC-EF on ECs under physiologically relevant fluid forces is yet to be systematically evaluated. Using a 3D microfluidic model of a bifurcating vessel, we report the role of DC-EF on regulating endothelial permeability when co-applied with physiologically relevant fluid forces that arise at the vessel bifurcation. The application of a 70 V m-1 DC-EF simultaneously with 1 μL min-1 low perfusion rate (generating 3.8 dyn cm-2 stagnation pressure at the bifurcation point and 0.3 dyn cm-2 laminar shear stress in the branched vessel) increased the endothelial permeability 7-fold compared to the static control condition (i.e., without flow and DC-EF). When the perfusion rate was increased to 10 μL min-1 (generating 38 dyn cm-2 stagnation pressure at the bifurcation point and 3 dyn cm-2 laminar shear stress in the branched vessel) while maintaining the same electrical stimulation, a 4-fold increase in endothelial permeability compared to the static control was observed. The lower increase in endothelial permeability for the higher fluid forces but the same DC-EF suggests a competing role between fluid forces and the applied DC-EF. Moreover, the observed increase in endothelial permeability due to combined DC-EF and flow was transient and dependent on the Akt signalling pathway. Collectively, these findings provide significant new insights into how the endothelium serves as an electro-mechanical interface for regulating vessel permeability.

Flow shear stress controls the initiation of neovascularization via heparan sulfate proteoglycans within a biomimetic microfluidic model

Endothelial cells (ECs) in vivo are subjected to three forms of shear stress induced by luminal blood flow, transendothelial flow and interstitial flow simultaneously. It is controversial that shear stress, especially the component induced by luminal flow, was thought to inhibit the initialization of angiogenesis and trigger arteriogenesis. Here, we combined microfabrication techniques and delicate numerical simulations to reconstruct the initial physiological microenvironment of neovascularization in vitro, where ECs experience high luminal shear stress, physiological transendothelial flow and various vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) distributions simultaneously. With the biomimetic microfluidic model, cell alignment and endothelial sprouting assays were carried out. We found that luminal shear stress inhibits endothelial sprouting and tubule formation in a dose-dependent manner. Although a high concentration of VEGF increases EC sprouting, neither a positive nor a negative VEGF gradient additionally affects the degree of sprouting, and luminal shear stress significantly attenuates neovascularization even in the presence of VEGF. Heparinase was used to selectively degrade the heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) coating on ECs and messenger RNA profiles in ECs were analyzed. It turned out that HSPGs could act as a mechanosensor to sense the change of fluid shear stress, modulate multiple EC gene expressions, and hence affect neovascularization. In summary, distraction from the stabilized state, such as decreased luminal shear stress, increased VEGF and the destructed mechanotransduction of HSPGs would induce the initiation of neovascularization. Our study highlights the key role of the magnitude and forms of shear stress in neovascularization.

Vessel-on-a-chip models for studying microvascular physiology, transport, and function in vitro

To understand how the microvasculature grows and remodels, researchers require reproducible systems that emulate the function of living tissue. Innovative contributions toward fulfilling this important need have been made by engineered microvessels assembled in vitro with microfabrication techniques. Microfabricated vessels, commonly referred to as "vessels-on-a-chip," are from a class of cell culture technologies that uniquely integrate microscale flow phenomena, tissue-level biomolecular transport, cell-cell interactions, and proper three-dimensional (3-D) extracellular matrix environments under well-defined culture conditions. Here, we discuss the enabling attributes of microfabricated vessels that make these models more physiological compared with established cell culture techniques and the potential of these models for advancing microvascular research. This review highlights the key features of microvascular transport and physiology, critically discusses the strengths and limitations of different microfabrication strategies for studying the microvasculature, and provides a perspective on current challenges and future opportunities for vessel-on-a-chip models.

Characterizing the effect of substrate stiffness on the extravasation potential of breast cancer cells using a 3D microfluidic model

Different biochemical and biomechanical cues from tumor microenvironment affect the extravasation of cancer cells to distant organs; among them, the mechanical signals are poorly understood. Although the effect of substrate stiffness on the primary migration of cancer cells has been previously probed, its role in regulating the extravasation ability of cancer cells is still vague. Herein, we used a microfluidic device to mimic the extravasation of tumor cells in a 3D microenvironment containing cancer cells, endothelial cells, and the biological matrix. The microfluidic-based extravasation model was utilized to probe the effect of substrate stiffness on the invasion ability of breast cancer cells. MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells were cultured among substrates with different stiffness which followed by monitoring their extravasation capability through the microfluidic device. Our results demonstrated that acidic collagen at a concentration of 2.5 mg/ml promotes migration of cancer cells. Additionally, the substrate softening resulted in up to 46% reduction in the invasion of breast cancer cells. The substrate softening not only affected the number of extravasated cells but also reduced their migration distance up to 53%. We further investigated the secreted level of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and identified that there is a positive correlation between substrate stiffening, MMP9 concentration, and extravasation of cancer cells. These findings suggest that the substrate stiffness mediates the cancer cells extravasation in a microfluidic model. Changes in MMP9 level could be one of the possible underlying mechanisms which need more investigations to be addressed thoroughly.

Remodeling of the Microvasculature: May the Blood Flow Be With You

The vasculature ensures optimal delivery of nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, and to achieve this function it must continually adapt to varying tissue demands. Newly formed vascular plexuses during development are immature and require dynamic remodeling to generate well-patterned functional networks. This is achieved by remodeling of the capillaries preserving those which are functional and eliminating other ones. A balanced and dynamically regulated capillary remodeling will therefore ensure optimal distribution of blood and nutrients to the tissues. This is particularly important in pathological contexts in which deficient or excessive vascular remodeling may worsen tissue perfusion and hamper tissue repair. Blood flow is a major determinant of microvascular reshaping since capillaries are pruned when relatively less perfused and they split when exposed to high flow in order to shape the microvascular network for optimal tissue perfusion and oxygenation. The molecular machinery underlying blood flow sensing by endothelial cells is being deciphered, but much less is known about how this translates into endothelial cell responses as alignment, polarization and directed migration to drive capillary remodeling, particularly in vivo. Part of this knowledge is theoretical from computational models since blood flow hemodynamics are not easily recapitulated by in vitro or ex vivo approaches. Moreover, these events are difficult to visualize in vivo due to their infrequency and briefness. Studies had been limited to postnatal mouse retina and vascular beds in zebrafish but new tools as advanced microscopy and image analysis are strengthening our understanding of capillary remodeling. In this review we introduce the concept of remodeling of the microvasculature and its relevance in physiology and pathology. We summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms contributing to capillary regression and to capillary splitting highlighting the key role of blood flow to orchestrate these processes. Finally, we comment the potential and possibilities that microfluidics offers to this field. Since capillary remodeling mechanisms are often reactivated in prevalent pathologies as cancer and cardiovascular disease, all this knowledge could be eventually used to improve the functionality of capillary networks in diseased tissues and promote their repair.

IFN-γ drives inflammatory bowel disease pathogenesis through VE-cadherin-directed vascular barrier disruption

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with rising incidence. Diseased tissues are heavily vascularized. Surprisingly, the pathogenic impact of the vasculature in IBD and the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain largely unknown. IFN-γ is a major cytokine in IBD pathogenesis, but in the context of the disease, it is almost exclusively its immune-modulatory and epithelial cell-directed functions that have been considered. Recent studies by our group demonstrated that IFN-γ also exerts potent effects on blood vessels. Based on these considerations, we analyzed the vessel-directed pathogenic functions of IFN-γ and found that it drives IBD pathogenesis through vascular barrier disruption. Specifically, we show that inhibition of the IFN-γ response in vessels by endothelial-specific knockout of IFN-γ receptor 2 ameliorates experimentally induced colitis in mice. IFN-γ acts pathogenic by causing a breakdown of the vascular barrier through disruption of the adherens junction protein VE-cadherin. Notably, intestinal vascular barrier dysfunction was also confirmed in human IBD patients, supporting the clinical relevance of our findings. Treatment with imatinib restored VE-cadherin/adherens junctions, inhibited vascular permeability, and significantly reduced colonic inflammation in experimental colitis. Our findings inaugurate the pathogenic impact of IFN-γ-mediated intestinal vessel activation in IBD and open new avenues for vascular-directed treatment of this disease.

Microfluidics for the study of mechanotransduction

Mechanical forces regulate a diverse set of biological processes at cellular, tissue, and organismal length scales. Investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie the conversion of mechanical forces to biological responses is challenged by limitations of traditional animal models and in vitro cell culture, including poor control over applied force and highly artificial cell culture environments. Recent advances in fabrication methods and material processing have enabled the development of microfluidic platforms that provide precise control over the mechanical microenvironment of cultured cells. These devices and systems have proven to be powerful for uncovering and defining mechanisms of mechanotransduction. In this review, we first give an overview of the main mechanotransduction pathways that function at sites of cell adhesion, many of which have been investigated with microfluidics. We then discuss how distinct microfluidic fabrication methods can be harnessed to gain biological insight, with description of both monolithic and replica molding approaches. Finally, we present examples of how microfluidics can be used to apply both solid forces (substrate mechanics, strain, and compression) and fluid forces (luminal, interstitial) to cells. Throughout the review, we emphasize the advantages and disadvantages of different fabrication methods and applications of force in order to provide perspective to investigators looking to apply forces to cells in their own research.

Key Regulatory miRNAs and their Interplay with Mechanosensing and Mechanotransduction Signaling Pathways in Breast Cancer Progression

According to the WHO, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Identification of underlying mechanisms in breast cancer progression is the main concerns of researches. The mechanical forces within the tumor microenvironment, in addition to biochemical stimuli such as different growth factors and cytokines, activate signaling cascades, resulting in various changes in cancer cell physiology. Cancer cell proliferation, invasiveness, migration, and, even, resistance to cancer therapeutic agents are changed due to activation of mechanotransduction signaling. The mechanotransduction signaling is frequently dysregulated in breast cancer, indicating its important role in cancer cell features. So far, a variety of experimental investigations have been conducted to determine the main regulators of the mechanotransduction signaling. Currently, the role of miRNAs has been well-defined in the cancer process through advances in molecular-based approaches. miRNAs are small groups of RNAs (∼22 nucleotides) that contribute to various biological events in cells. The central role of miRNAs in the regulation of various mediators involved in the mechanotransduction signaling has been well clarified over the last decade. Unbalanced expression of miRNAs is associated with different pathologic conditions. Overexpression and downregulation of certain miRNAs were found to be along with dysregulation of mechanotransduction signaling effectors. This study aimed to critically review the role of miRNAs in the regulation of mediators involved in the mechanosensing pathways and clarify how the cross-talk between miRNAs and their targets affect the cell behavior and physiology of breast cancer cells.

The Influence of Chronic Liver Diseases on Hepatic Vasculature: A Liver-on-a-chip Review

In chronic liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma, the cells and extracellular matrix of the liver undergo significant alteration in response to chronic injury. Recent literature has highlighted the critical, but less studied, role of the liver vasculature in the progression of chronic liver diseases. Recent advancements in liver-on-a-chip systems has allowed in depth investigation of the role that the hepatic vasculature plays both in response to, and progression of, chronic liver disease. In this review, we first introduce the structure, gradients, mechanical properties, and cellular composition of the liver and describe how these factors influence the vasculature. We summarize state-of-the-art vascularized liver-on-a-chip platforms for investigating biological models of chronic liver disease and their influence on the liver sinusoidal endothelial cells of the hepatic vasculature. We conclude with a discussion of how future developments in the field may affect the study of chronic liver diseases, and drug development and testing.

Computational modelling suggests complex interactions between interstitial flow and tumour angiogenesis

Angiogenesis, the growth of capillaries from pre-existing ones, plays a key role in cancer progression. Tumours release tumour angiogenic factors (TAFs) into the extracellular matrix (ECM) that trigger angiogenesis once they reach the vasculature. The neovasculature provides nutrients and oxygen to the tumour. In the ECM, the interstitial fluid moves driven by pressure differences and may affect the distribution of tumour TAFs, and, in turn, tumour vascularization. In this work, we propose a hybrid mathematical model to investigate the influence of fluid flow in tumour angiogenesis. Our model shows the impact of interstitial flow in a time-evolving capillary network using a continuous approach. The flow model is coupled to a model of angiogenesis that includes tip endothelial cells, filopodia, capillaries and TAFs. The TAF transport equation considers not only diffusive mechanisms but also the convective transport produced by interstitial flow. Our simulations predict a significant alteration of the new vascular networks, which tend to grow more prominently against the flow. The model suggests that interstitial flow may produce increased tumour malignancies and hindered treatments.

Methods of Delivering Mechanical Stimuli to Organ-on-a-Chip

Recent advances in integrating microengineering and tissue engineering have enabled the creation of promising microengineered physiological models, known as organ-on-a-chip (OOC), for experimental medicine and pharmaceutical research. OOCs have been used to recapitulate the physiologically critical features of specific human tissues and organs and their interactions. Application of chemical and mechanical stimuli is critical for tissue development and behavior, and they were also applied to OOC systems. Mechanical stimuli applied to tissues and organs are quite complex in vivo, which have not adequately recapitulated in OOCs. Due to the recent advancement of microengineering, more complicated and physiologically relevant mechanical stimuli are being introduced to OOC systems, and this is the right time to assess the published literature on this topic, especially focusing on the technical details of device design and equipment used. We first discuss the different types of mechanical stimuli applied to OOC systems: shear flow, compression, and stretch/strain. This is followed by the examples of mechanical stimuli-incorporated OOC systems. Finally, we discuss the potential OOC systems where various types of mechanical stimuli can be applied to a single OOC device, as a better, physiologically relevant recapitulation model, towards studying and evaluating experimental medicine, human disease modeling, drug development, and toxicology.

Balance of interstitial flow magnitude and vascular endothelial growth factor concentration modulates three-dimensional microvascular network formation

Hemodynamic and biochemical factors play important roles in critical steps of angiogenesis. In particular, interstitial flow has attracted attention as an important hemodynamic factor controlling the angiogenic process. Here, we applied a wide range of interstitial flow magnitudes to an in vitro three-dimensional (3D) angiogenesis model in a microfluidic device. This study aimed to investigate the effect of interstitial flow magnitude in combination with the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentration on 3D microvascular network formation. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured in a series of interstitial flow generated by 2, 8, and 25 mmH₂O. Our findings indicated that interstitial flow significantly enhanced vascular sprout formation, network extension, and the development of branching networks in a magnitude-dependent manner. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the proangiogenic effect of interstitial flow application could not be substituted by the increased VEGF concentration. In addition, we found that HUVECs near vascular sprouts significantly elongated in >8 mmH₂O conditions, while activation of Src was detected even in 2 mmH₂O conditions. Our results suggest that the balance between the interstitial flow magnitude and the VEGF concentration plays an important role in the regulation of 3D microvascular network formation in vitro.

Mechanical Forces in Tumor Angiogenesis

A defining hallmark of cancer and cancer development is upregulated angiogenesis. The vasculature formed in tumors is structurally abnormal, not organized in the conventional hierarchical arrangement, and more permeable than normal vasculature. These features contribute to leaky, tortuous, and dilated blood vessels, which act to create heterogeneous blood flow, compression of vessels, and elevated interstitial fluid pressure. As such, abnormalities in the tumor vasculature not only affect the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the tumor, but also contribute to creating an abnormal tumor microenvironment that further promotes tumorigenesis. The role of chemical signaling events in mediating tumor angiogenesis has been well researched; however, the relative contribution of physical cues and mechanical regulation of tumor angiogenesis is less understood. Growing research indicates that the physical microenvironment plays a significant role in tumor progression and promoting abnormal tumor vasculature. Here, we review how mechanical cues found in the tumor microenvironment promote aberrant tumor angiogenesis. Specifically, we discuss the influence of matrix stiffness and mechanical stresses in tumor tissue on tumor vasculature, as well as the mechanosensory pathways utilized by endothelial cells to respond to the physical cues found in the tumor microenvironment. We also discuss the impact of the resulting aberrant tumor vasculature on tumor progression and therapeutic treatment.

Competing Fluid Forces Control Endothelial Sprouting in a 3-D Microfluidic Vessel Bifurcation Model

Sprouting angiogenesis-the infiltration and extension of endothelial cells from pre-existing blood vessels-helps orchestrate vascular growth and remodeling. It is now agreed that fluid forces, such as laminar shear stress due to unidirectional flow in straight vessel segments, are important regulators of angiogenesis. However, regulation of angiogenesis by the different flow dynamics that arise due to vessel branching, such as impinging flow stagnation at the base of a bifurcating vessel, are not well understood. Here we used a recently developed 3-D microfluidic model to investigate the role of the flow conditions that occur due to vessel bifurcations on endothelial sprouting. We observed that bifurcating fluid flow located at the vessel bifurcation point suppresses the formation of angiogenic sprouts. Similarly, laminar shear stress at a magnitude of ~3 dyn/cm² applied in the branched vessels downstream of the bifurcation point, inhibited the formation of angiogenic sprouts. In contrast, co-application of ~1 µm/s average transvascular flow across the endothelial monolayer with laminar shear stress induced the formation of angiogenic sprouts. These results suggest that transvascular flow imparts a competing effect against bifurcating fluid flow and laminar shear stress in regulating endothelial sprouting. To our knowledge, these findings are the first report on the stabilizing role of bifurcating fluid flow on endothelial sprouting. These results also demonstrate the importance of local flow dynamics due to branched vessel geometry in determining the location of sprouting angiogenesis.

Tissue Engineering of the Microvasculature

The ability to generate new microvessels in desired numbers and at desired locations has been a long-sought goal in vascular medicine, engineering, and biology. Historically, the need to revascularize ischemic tissues nonsurgically (so-called therapeutic vascularization) served as the main driving force for the development of new methods of vascular growth. More recently, vascularization of engineered tissues and the generation of vascularized microphysiological systems have provided additional targets for these methods, and have required adaptation of therapeutic vascularization to biomaterial scaffolds and to microscale devices. Three complementary strategies have been investigated to engineer microvasculature: angiogenesis (the sprouting of existing vessels), vasculogenesis (the coalescence of adult or progenitor cells into vessels), and microfluidics (the vascularization of scaffolds that possess the open geometry of microvascular networks). Over the past several decades, vascularization techniques have grown tremendously in sophistication, from the crude implantation of arteries into myocardial tunnels by Vineberg in the 1940s, to the current use of micropatterning techniques to control the exact shape and placement of vessels within a scaffold. This review provides a broad historical view of methods to engineer the microvasculature, and offers a common framework for organizing and analyzing the numerous studies in this area of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. © 2019 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 9:1155-1212, 2019.

Multi-flow channel bioreactor enables real-time monitoring of cellular dynamics in 3D engineered tissue

The key to understanding, harnessing, and manipulating natural biological processes for the benefit of tissue engineering lies in providing a controllable dynamic environment for tissue development in vitro while being able to track cell activity in real time. This work presents a multi-channel bioreactor specifically designed to enable on-line imaging of fluorescently labeled cells embedded in replicated 3D engineered constructs subjected to different flow conditions. The images are acquired in 3D using a standard upright confocal microscope and further analyzed and quantified by computer vision. The platform is used to characterize and quantify the pace and directionality of angiogenic processes induced by flow. The presented apparatus bears considerable potential to advance scientific research, from basic research pursuing the effect of flow versus static conditions on 3D scaffolds and cell types, to clinically oriented modeling in drug screening and cytotoxicity assays.