Figure 2.

BEC and LEC form distinct cord-like structures on 2D Matrigel and 3D fibrin gel assays. (a) BEC (pre-labeled in pre-labeled in CellTracker™ Red CMTPX) and LEC (pre-labeled in CellTracker™ Green CMFDA) were seeded on 2D Matrigel at ratios of 100:0, 80:20, 50:50, 20:80, and 0:100 (BECs:LECs). Representative images of cord-like structures (CLS) formation were imaged at 12 h. Scale bars are 500 μm. (b) BEC and LEC were encapsulated in 3D fibrin gel assay. From left to right, red-BEC only, red-BEC and green-BEC (50:50), red-BEC and green-LEC (50:50), red-LEC and green-LEC (50:50), and green-LEC only. Representative images of CLS formation were imaged at 48 h. Scale bars are 500 μm. CLS formed on 3D fibrin gel was quantified for tube length using AutoTube for (c) BEC and (d) LEC. Data represents mean $\pm$ SD, n = 4 per group, n.s. p > 0.05, *p < 0.05. All P values were determined by unpaired t tests. (e) An equal density of BEC or LEC (5 × 10⁶ cells/mL) were seeded on each chamber of the IdenTx Chips separated by the fibrin gels in the middle. Representative images of BEC or LEC sprouting into the fibrin gels after 48 h of culture. Scale bars are 500 μm.