Abstract

The transition from 2D to 3D cell culture and co-cultures of more relevant cell types are the first steps towards more physiological relevant models in vitro. Previously we showed that a standardized microfluidic 3D tissue culture platform, called OrganoPlate® can be used to generate precisely controlled gradients, pump-free and in medium throughput (n=40) for growing blood vessels and inducing controlled 3D angiogenic sprouting [1]. Here we integrated pericytes into the vascular model to look at cell-cell interaction during angiogenesis.

Endothelial cells are grown against an extracellular matrix gel and form a vessel/tubule due to the flow. Pericytes are seeded in the ECM or co-seeded with the endothelial cells. The blood vessel is exposed to angiogenic compounds to direct sprouting into the ECM gel. When pericytes were co-seeded with endothelial cells sprouts with a perfusable lumen were formed. In contrast pericytes in the ECM inhibited sprouting. Pericytes in the parental vessel also started to express high levels of α-sma.

This model can be used as an in vitro screening platform to unravel the important drivers in angiogenesis and vasculogenesis and the involvement of pericytes in these processes.