Enhanced Host Neovascularization of Prevascularized Engineered Muscle Following Transplantation into Immunocompetent versus Immunocompromised Mice.

Engineering of functional tissue, by combining either autologous or allogeneic cells with biomaterials, holds promise for the treatment of various diseases and injuries. Prevascularization of the engineered tissue was shown to enhance and improve graft integration and neovascularization post-implantation in immunocompromised mice. However, the neovascularization and integration processes of transplanted engineered tissues have not been widely studied in immunocompetent models.

Genetically engineered human muscle transplant enhances murine host neovascularization and myogenesis.

Engineered tissues are a promising tool for addressing the growing need for tissues and organs in surgical reconstructions. Prevascularization of implanted tissues is expected to enhance survival prospects post transplantation and minimize deficiencies and/or hypoxia deeper in the tissue. Here, we fabricate a three-dimensional, prevascularized engineered muscle containing human myoblasts, genetically modified endothelial cells secreting angiopoietin 1 (ANGPT1) and genetically modified smooth muscle cells secreting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Innervation of an engineered muscle graft for reconstruction of muscle defects.

Autologous muscle flaps are commonly used to reconstruct defects that involve muscle impairment. To maintain viability and functionality of these flaps, they must be properly vascularized and innervated. Tissue-engineered muscles could potentially replace autologous muscle tissue, but still require establishment of sufficient innervation to ensure functionality.

Improved Patency of ePTFE Grafts as a Hemodialysis Access Site by Seeding Autologous Endothelial Cells Expressing Fibulin-5 and VEGF.

Small caliber synthetic vascular grafts used for dialysis access sites have high failure rates due to neointima formation and thrombosis. Seeding synthetic grafts with endothelial cells (ECs) provides a biocompatible surface that may prevent graft failure. We tested the use of ePTFE grafts seeded with autologous ECs expressing fibulin-5 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), as a dialysis access site in a porcine model.

Elderly Patient-Derived Endothelial Cells for Vascularization of Engineered Muscle.

In vitro prevascularization of engineered tissue constructs promises to enhance their clinical applicability. We hypothesize that adult endothelial cells (ECs), isolated from limb veins of elderly patients, bear the vasculogenic properties required to form vascular networks in vitro that can later integrate with the host vasculature upon implantation. Here, we show that adult ECs formed vessel networks that were more developed and complex than those formed by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) seeded with various supporting cells on three-dimensional (3D) biodegradable polymer scaffolds.