Engineering Angiogenesis by the Extracellular Matrix

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1033660YehThis project integrates advanced microscopy with a novel bioreactor for elucidating molecular, cellular and extracellular matrix interactions that guide angiogenic morphogenesis within a 3D tissue model. Though biologically motivated, implicit in this project is further characterization of nonlinear optical phenomena induced by ultrashort optical pulses an order of magnitude shorter than what is typically used in multiphoton microscopy and demonstration of its distinct advantages in live cell NLOM for the quantitative characterization of complex biological systems. The developed biaxial bioreactor will enable precise control of the mechanical environment in which 3D models of angiogenesis are cultured. Its strengths include the ability to control matrix density, stiffness and orientation. Combined with intravital NLOM, it will provide a powerful means to decipher dynamic cell-matrix interactions in culture and to gain new insight into mechanisms that enhance or inhibit angiogenesis.