Open AccessBMP 4 promotes vascularization of human adipose stromal cells and endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo
Author(s) -
Zhou C.,
Cai X.,
Grottkau B. E.,
Lin Y.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
cell proliferation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.647
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1365-2184
pISSN - 0960-7722
DOI - 10.1111/cpr.12073
Subject(s) - stromal cell , adipose tissue , pericyte , microbiology and biotechnology , in vivo , in vitro , fibronectin , angiogenesis , biology , endothelial stem cell , cancer research , extracellular matrix , endocrinology , biochemistry
Objectives Vascularization is a major obstacle to clinical application of regenerative medicine. Engineered tissues must be able to generate an early vascular network that can quickly connect with the host vasculature. Recent research demonstrates that natural adipose tissues contain abundant stromal cells, which can give rise to pericytes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the application of human adipose stromal cells ( ASC s) to vascularization, and the function of BMP 4 protein during vascularization. Materials and methods Immunofluorescence staining for α‐ SMA and PDGFR ‐β were utilized to identify characteristics of ASC s/pericytes. They were then loaded into a collagen‐fibronectin gel with endothelial cells to assess their vascularization ability, both in vitro and in vivo . Results We showed that the ASC s expressed some of the essential markers of pericytes and they were able to promote vascularization with endothelial cells in 3D culture, both in vitro and in vivo . BMP 4 protein further promoted this vascularization. Conclusion Adipose stromal cells promoted vascularization by endothelial cells and BMP 4 protein further enhanced this effect.