RhoA mediates flow-induced endothelial sprouting in a 3-D tissue analogue of angiogenesis

Lab Chip. 2012 Dec 7;12(23):5000-6. doi: 10.1039/c2lc40389g.

Abstract

Endothelial cells (ECs) integrate signals from the local microenvironment to guide their behaviour. RhoA is involved in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-driven angiogenesis, but its role in mechanotransduction during sprouting has not been established. Using dominant negative cell transfections in a microfluidic device that recapitulates angiogenic sprouting, we show that endothelial cells respond to interstitial flow in a RhoA-dependent manner while invading a 3-D extracellular matrix. Furthermore, RhoA regulates flow-induced, but not VEGF gradient-induced, tip cell filopodial extensions. Thus, RhoA pathways mediate mechanically-activated but not VEGF-induced endothelial morphogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Extracellular Matrix / drug effects
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / cytology*
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / drug effects
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic* / drug effects
  • Pseudopodia / drug effects
  • Pseudopodia / metabolism
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Time Factors
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / pharmacology
  • rhoA GTP-Binding Protein / metabolism*

Substances

  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • rhoA GTP-Binding Protein