Human microvascular endothelial cells displaying reduced angiogenesis and increased uptake of lipids during in vitro culture

Abstract

Human microvascular ECs from the neonatal foreskin of two donors purchased from one distributor were used in an angiogenesis assay under the same culture conditions. Different angiogenic potency was apparent in these two batches (ECang and ECnon-ang). During the cultivation period of three weeks, ECang ran through all stages of angiogenesis starting from proliferation to migration up to the formation of three-dimensional capillary-like structures. Despite of expression of endothelial markers, ECnon-ang showed excessive intracellular storage of lipids in form of multilamellar bodies and decreased angiogenic potency in contrast to its counterpart, ECang. Results indicate that lipid metabolism differs in ECang versus ECnon-ang. This study points up that these differences are based on the different donors and presents a novel and valuable model for the study of mechanisms of atherosclerosis in endothelial cells in vitro.

Subcellular Interactions during Vascular Morphogenesis in 3D Cocultures between Endothelial Cells and Fibroblasts

“…The multifaceted composition and interplay of cells and molecules within a tissue or organ play an essential role and can only be mirrored in cocultures of at least two different cell species [ 13 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. To optimize the existing in vitro models of angiogenesis [ 26 , 27 ], it is essential to take into account the interaction of the ECs with the cells and molecules present in their physiologic environment, and to include further cell types, especially stromal FB [ 13 , 24 , 25 , 28 ].…”