Figure 6. Pro-atherogenic and pro-physiological topographical environments.

(a) HUVECs on flat surfaces adhere in a not polarized way. In this condition LOX-1 has a dimeric form and diffuses more slowly in membrane. It is active in ox-LDL binding and internalization, disposing HUVECs to a proatherogenic condition. (b) HUVECs on nanogratings adhere in a polarized way, showing a stretched and aligned morphology. LOX-1 diffuses faster and in a contractility-dependent way; furthermore it is blocked in a monomeric form that is considered unable to bind and internalize ox-LDL, protecting HUVECs against ox-LDL induced atherogenesis.