Figure 5.

Biochemical and mechanical effects on vasculature. a) Interactions with the perivascular niche ECM can promote cancer cell exit from dormancy. An engineered model was used with a laminin rich ECM drip used to culture breast cancer cells on top of formed microvasculature. Biochemical cues were identified that promoted cancer cell dormancy (TSP-1, perlecan, laminins, etc.) or micrometastatic outgrowth (periostin, fibronectin, tenascin C, etc.). b) Introducing gradients in modulus can create organized vasculogenesis, which may be important when engineering 3D vascularized models. PEGDA hydrogels that had either a uniform bulk modulus or a gradient in modulus were seeded with ECs. Vascular sprouting appeared more disorganized in the uniform modulus gel (bottom left) but was more organized in the gradient gel (bottom right). (a) Adapted with permission.^[78] Copyright 2013, Nature Publishing Group. (b) Adapted with permission.^[81] Copyright 2013, PLoS One.