Modulating MMP-2 Expression in HUVECs using PEG-conjugated Biomolecules

摘要

TIMP-2 and κE have both been confirmed to affect MMP-2 expression in HUVEC monocultures in a time and concentration dependent manner. This result illustrates the feasibility of temporal control over MMP-2 expression in HUVEC cultures through the considered integration of specific MMP-regulating factors into cell culture conditions. These MMP-modulating factors can also be incorporated into 3D PEG hydrogels as highly localized MMP-2-regulating pendant moieties without reducing their bioactivity due to PEG conjugation. In future work. PEG hydrogels functionalized in this way will be used to perturb an in vitro model of vasculogenesis, with the ultimate goal of controlling basal vasculature formation in vivo through biomaterial-mediated MMP regulation.