Studying vascular smooth muscle cell characteristics using an alternating-substrate modulus system

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases resulting from atherosclerosis comprise the single biggest cause of death in the developed world1. In atherosclerosis, both local vessel stiffness and extracellular organization is perturbed. Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) function is perturbed in atherosclerosis, but it is not clear if this is due to the evolving changes in extracellular mechanical stimuli. Here, we will build upon previous work using microfabrication techniques to determine the influence of extracellular matrix (ECM) mechanics and ECM organization on VSMC self-­‐ organization. We will use our previously developed alternating-­‐substrate modulus system combined with microcontact printing (MCP) to observe and quantify cell self-­‐organization when cells are guided by both the stiffness of the underlying substrate and stamped lines of fibronectin protein. This study will provide insight on VSMC behavior with competing influences on cell self-­‐organization and may help provide insight to cell characteristics that may be useful in developing atherosclerosis therapies.