Work

Direct Isolation, Culture and Transplant of Mouse Skeletal Muscle Derived Endothelial Cells with Angiogenic Potential

Year: 2008

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although diseases associated with microvascular endothelial dysfunction are among the most prevalent illnesses to date, currently no method exists to isolate pure endothelial cells (EC) from skeletal muscle for in vivo or in vitro study. METHODOLOGY: By utilizing multicolor fluorescent-activated cell sorting (FACS), we have isolated a distinct population of Sca-1(+), CD31(+), CD34(dim) and CD45(- )cells from skeletal muscles of C57BL6 mice. Characterization of this population revealed these cells are functional EC that can be expanded several times in culture without losing their phenotype or capabilities to uptake acetylated low-density lipoprotein (ac-LDL), produce nitric oxide (NO) and form vascular tubes. When transplanted subcutaneously or intramuscularly into the tibialis anterior muscle, EC formed microvessels and integrated with existing vasculature. CONCLUSION: This method, which is highly reproducible, can be used to study the biology and role of EC in diseases such as peripheral vascular disease. In addition this method allows us to isolate large quantities of skeletal muscle derived EC with potential for therapeutic angiogenic applications.

Source: PLoS ONE

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0001753

Authors: Nicholas Ieronimakis, Gayathri Balasundaram, Morayma Reyes

Institution: University of Washington

Language: English

Topic: Angiogenesis and VEGF in Cancer

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,382