Generating Monocyte-Derived Endothelial-like Cells for Vascular Regeneration

Abstract

A major limitation in engineering vascular grafts is the lack of proper endothelium to prevent thrombosis and subsequent graft failure. Obtaining endothelial cells from patients' vasculature is intrusive and requires extensive culture time. Here we present an alternative strategy wherein abundant and easily accessible monocytes from peripheral blood are cultured and differentiated towards an endothelial-like state capable of preventing thrombosis through production of nitric oxide and formation of endothelial adherens junctions. Considering the plethora of monocytes present within peripheral blood, this method provides a robust alternative to generating endothelial cells required for vascular graft production.

Keywords: Endothelial cells; Fibronectin; Monocytes; Platelet-rich plasma; Shear; VEGF.