three-dimensional-angiogenesis-assay-system-using-co-culture

Three-dimensional Angiogenesis Assay System using Co-culture Spheroids Formed by Endothelial Colony Forming Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Studies in the field of angiogenesis have been aggressively growing in the last few decades with the recognition that angiogenesis is a hallmark of more ...

Duksung Women's University

The tube formation assay is a widely used  experiment model to evaluate angiogenic properties by measuring the formation of tubular structures from vascular endothelial cells (ECs).  experimental results are crucial when considered the advisability of moving forward to  studies. Thus, the additional attentions to the  assay is necessary to improve the quality of the pre-clinical data, leading to better decision-making for successful drug discovery. In this study, we improved the tube formation assay system in three aspects. First, we used human endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs), which are endothelial precursors that have a robust proliferative capacity and more defined angiogenic characteristics compared to mature ECs. Second, we utilized a real-time cell recorder to track the progression of tube formation for 48 hours. Third, to minimize analysis error due to the limited observation area, we used image-stitching software to increase the microscope field of view to a 2×2 stitched area from the 4× object lens. Our advanced tube formation assay system successfully demonstrated the time-dependent dynamic progression of tube formation in the presence and absence of VEGF and FGF-2. Vatalanib, VEGF inhibitor, was tested by our assay system. Of note, IC values of vatalanib was different at each observation time point. Collectively, these results indicate that our advanced tube formation assay system replicates the dynamic progression of tube formation in response to angiogenic modulators. Therefore, this new system provides a sensitive and versatile assay model for evaluating pro- or anti-angiogenic drugs.

Hyunsook Lee

College of Pharmacy,
Duksung Innovative Drug Center,
College of Pharmacy, Duksung Innovative Drug Center

Duksung Women's University

Three-dimensional Angiogenesis Assay System using Co-culture Spheroids Formed by Endothelial Colony Forming Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Hyunsook Lee

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Duksung Women's University

Three-dimensional Angiogenesis Assay System using Co-culture Spheroids Formed by Endothelial Colony Forming Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells

College of Pharmacy,
Duksung Innovative Drug Center,
College of Pharmacy, Duksung Innovative Drug Center