Characterizing the Effect of Cell-Matrix Interactions on the Differentiation and Subsequent Vasculogenesis of iPSC-Derived Vascular Progenitor Cells

摘要

We demonstrate that the choice of natural or synthetic matrices impacts cell fate and vasculogenic behavior of iPSC-VPCs. PEG-Fibrin and DEX-CMC both encourage robust, interconnected network formation; while collagen induces the formation of thick, unbranched lumen. Seeding iPSC-VPCs in PEG-fibrin also results in multiscale, pericyte-containing vasculature; VPCs encapsulated in all three matrices examined differentiated into arterial endothelial cells and mesenchymal cells that were positive for pericyte markers. In future work, we plan to explore the role of integrins and matrix elasticity in cell fate and their impact on the vasculogenic behavior of iPSC-VPCs.