Vascularized hiPSC-derived 3D cardiac microtissue on chip

Arslan, U.; Brescia, M.; Meraviglia, V.; Nahon, D.M.; Helden, R.W.J. van; Stein, J.M.; ... ; Orlova, V.V. (2023)

Article / Letter to editor

Functional vasculature is essential for delivering nutrients, oxygen, and cells to the heart and removing waste products. Here, we devel-oped an in vitro vascularized human cardiac microtissue (MT) model based on human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) in a micro -fluidic organ-on-chip by coculturing hiPSC-derived, pre-vascularized, cardiac MTs with vascular cells within a fibrin hydrogel. We showed that vascular networks spontaneously formed in and around these MTs and were lumenized and interconnected through anastomosis. Anastomosis was fluid flow dependent: continuous perfusion increased vessel density and thus enhanced the formation of the hybrid vessels. Vascularization further improved endothelial cell (EC)-cardiomyocyte communication via EC-derived paracrine factors, such as nitric oxide, and resulted in an enhanced inflammatory response. The platform sets the stage for studies on how organ-specific EC barriers respond to drugs or inflammatory stimuli.

• All authors: Arslan, U.; Brescia, M.; Meraviglia, V.; Nahon, D.M.; Helden, R.W.J. van; Stein, J.M.; Hil, F.E. van den; Meer, B.J. van; Cuenca, M.V.; Mummery, C.L.; Orlova, V.V.
• Date: 2023-07-11
• Journal: Stem Cell Reports
• Volume: 18
• Issue: 7
• Pages: 1394 - 1404
• DOI: doi:10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.06.001
• Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221367112300228X?via%...