Studying the Response of Aortic Endothelial Cells under Pulsatile Flow Using a Compact Microfluidic System
Year: 2019
Type: article
Abstract: We describe a piezoelectric pumping system for studying the mechanobiology of human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) under pulsatile flow in microfluidic structures. The system takes advantage of commercially available components, including pumps, flow sensors, and microfluidic channels, which can be easily integrated, programmed, and operated by cellular biologists. Proof-of-concept experiments were performed to elucidate the complex mechanotransduction processes of endothelial cells to pulsatile flow. In particular, we investigated the effect of atheroprone and atheroprotective pulsatile shear stress on endothelial cytoskeleton remodeling and distribution of β-catenin, as well as nuclear shape and size. The system is simple to operate, relatively inexpensive, portable, and controllable, providing opportunities for studying the mechanobiology of endothelial cells using microfluidic technologies.
Source: Analytical Chemistry
Institutions: RMIT University, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute
Language: English
Subfield: Cell Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
Awards: Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Defining targets and establishing methods for prevention, diagnosis and therapy of inflammation, atherosclerosis and thrombosis, Chemo-sensation in Ascaris infection, The molecular basis of endothelial mechanotransduction through TRPV4
OpenAlex ID: W2968405152