Construction of Continuous Capillary Networks Stabilized by Pericyte-like Perivascular Cells.

Abstract

Construction of capillary networks is a fundamental challenge for the development of three-dimensional (3D) tissue engineering. However, it is not well understood how to construct stable capillary networks that maintain a luminal size similar to that of capillary structures <i>in vivo</i> (i.e., <10 μm diameter). In this study, we demonstrated the construction of stable capillary networks covered by pericyte-like perivascular cells using an <i>in vitro</i> 3D angiogenesis model by optimizing interactions between endothelial cells and perivascular cells. Our 3D angiogenesis model can be combined with 3D culture of epithelial cells in the context of vascularization of 3D tissue-engineered constructs.