Background:
Tissue engineering science enables us to embed endothelial and other vascular cells within sponge-like polymeric materials whose three dimensional configuration insures that large numbers of cells can be placed in a protective scaffolding adjacent to target tissues. We have characterized the cell secretory activity of embedded cells, and have demonstrated their retention of growth characteristics, immune identity and viability within polymeric devices. When implanted around injured arteries, the expected proliferative lesions are dramatically reduced and vascular growth control is restored. Because we can now place cells where we want in the vicinity of the blood vessels, these grafts allow us to divorce structure from function. The lessons learned will be utilized in the broadest context of fundamental cell and molecular biology of vascular pathophysiology of disease, and for the continued creation and application of innovative molecular, cellular and pharmacological therapies for cardiovascular disease.

Keywords:
Tissue engineering, endothelial cells, polymeric device

 

 

 
       

Key References:

  • Zani BG., Kojima K., Vacanti CA., and Edelman ER. Tissue engineered endothelial and epithelial implants differentially and synergistically regulate airway repair. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008 May 5. [Epub ahead of print] [PDF][Supplement]
  • Methe H, Hess S, Edelman ER. Endothelial immunogenicity -- A matter of matrix microarchitecture. Thromb Haemost 2007; 98(2):278-282. [PDF]
  • Methe H, Hess S, Edelman ER. Endothelial cell-matrix interactions determine maturation of dendritic cells. Eur J Immunol 2007 Jun 11;37(7): 1773-1784. [PDF]
  • Methe H, Groothuis A, Sayegh MH, Edelman ER. Matrix adherence of endothelial cells attenuates immune reactivity: induction of hyporesponsiveness in allo- and xenogeneic models. FASEB J 2007 May; 21(7):1515-26. [PDF]
  • Methe H, Balcells M, Alegret MD, Santacana M, Molins B, Hamik A, Jain M, Edelman ER. Vascular bed origin dictates flow pattern regulation of endothelial adhesion molecule expression. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2007 May; 292(5):H2167-75. [PDF]
  • Methe H, Edelman ER. Tissue engineering of endothelial cells and the immune response. Transplant Pro 2006 Dec; 38(10):3293-3299. [PDF]
  • Methe H, Edelman ER. Cell-matrix contact prevents recognition and damage of endothelial cells in states of heightened immunity. Circulation 2006 Jul 4; 114:1233-1238. [PDF]
  • Methe H, Nugent HM, Groothuis A, Seifert P, Sayegh MH, Edelman ER. Matrix embedding alters the immune response against endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo. Circulation 2005 Aug 30; 112:189-195. [PDF]
  • Nugent HM, Edelman ER. Tissue engineering therapy for cardiovascular disease. Circulation Research 2003 May 30; 92(10): 1068-1078. [PDF]
  • Nugent HM, Groothuis A, Seifert P, Guerraro JL, Nedelman M, Mohanakumar T, Edelman ER. Perivascular endothelial implants inhibit intimal hyperplasia in a model of arteriovenous fistulae: a safety and efficacy study in the pig. Journal of Vascular Research 2002 Nov-Dec; 39(6): 524-533. [PDF]
  • Nugent HM, Edelman ER. Endothelial implants provide long-term control of vascular repair in a porcine model of arterial injury. Journal of Surgical Research 2001 Aug; 99(2):228-234. [PDF]
  • Edelman ER, Nathan A, Katada M, Gates J, Karnovsky MJ. Perivascular graft heparin delivery using biodegradable polymer wrap. Biomaterials 2000 Nov; 21(22):2279-2286. [PDF]
  • Parikh SA, Edelman ER. Endothelial cell delivery for cardiovascular therapy. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews 2000 Aug 20; 42(1-2):139-161. Review. [PDF]
  • Nugent MA, Nugent HM, Iozzo RV, Sanchack K, Edelman ER. Perlecan is required to inhibit thrombosis after deep vascular injury and contributes to endothelial cell-mediated inhibition of intimal hyperplasia. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 2000 Jun 6;97(12):6722-6727. [PDF]
  • Edelman ER. Vascular tissue engineering: designer arteries. Circulation Research. 1999 Dec 3. 85(12): 1173-1178. [PDF]
  • Nugent HM, Rogers C, Edelman ER. Endothelial Implants Inhibit Intimal Hyperplasia After Porcine Angioplasty. Circulation Research. 1999. 84(4): 384-391. [PDF]
  • Han RO, Ettenson DS, Koo EWY, Edelman ER. Heparin/Heparan Sulfate Chelation Reverses Tissue-Engineered Endothelial Cell Inhibition Intimal Hyperplasia. American Journal of Physiology. 1997. 273(42): H2586-H2595. [PDF]
  • Nathan A, Nugent MA, Edelman ER. Tissue engineered perivascular endothelial cell implants regulate vascular injury. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences U S A. 1995. 92: 8130-8134. [PDF]
The PDF and files associated with the papers on this page are intended solely for the academic use of persons directly affiliated with the Edelman Laboratory. If you are not affiliated with the Laboratory, you are hereby notified that any downloading, copying, distribution or use of any of the PDF and files associated with the papers on this page is strictly PROHIBITED.
Research Fellows:
  • Mercedes Balcells-Camps
  • Shmulik Hess
  • Vijaya Kolachalama
  • Heiko Methe
  • Brett Zani

Graduates:

  • Joseph Franses

Undergraduates:

  • Carla Olive Vinas

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