Force sensing and transmission in human induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived pericytes

Iendaltseva, O. (2022)

Doctoral Thesis

Pericytes, the mural cells of blood microvessels, are important regulators of vascular morphogenesis and function that have been postulated to mechanically control microvascular diameter through as yet unknown mechanisms. Their disfunction has been implicated in several pathologies, including cerebral ischemia, Alzheimer's disease and diabetic retinopathy.To reveal mechanisms used by pericytes for mechanical interactions within microvessels we designed models bringing human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived pericytes in contact with various micropatterned substrates representing the microvascular basement membrane organization. Our findings shed light on how pericytes can mechanically regulate microvascular morphogenesis and function, and open possibilities for testing therapeutic strategies.

• Pericytes
• Induced pluripotent stem cells
• Capillaries
• Mechanotransduction
• Adherence

• All authors: Iendaltseva, O.
• Supervisor: Schmidt, T.: Danen, E.H.J.
• Committee: Hol, E.M.; Orvola, V.V.; Eliel, E.R.; Water, B. van der; Aarts, J.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Leiden Institute of Physics (LION), Faculty of Science, Leiden University
• Date: 2022-11-15
• Title of host publication: Casimir PhD Series
• ISBN (print): 9789085935391
• Name: 2022-29
• Sponsorship: Nederlandse organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (NWO)