The Impact of Substrate Stiffness on Glycocalyx Expression in Cultured Endothelial Cells
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases associated with aging pose a significant public health challenge, with vascular stiffening playing a central role in disease progression. This research explores the complex relationship between vascular stiffening and endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction, focusing specifically on the endothelial glycocalyx (eGCX), a critical protective layer of proteins and glycans that covers endothelial cells (ECs). Our approach involves culturing lung microvascular ECs on various ratios of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates to simulate vascular stiffening conditions. The results of our study demonstrate an inverse correlation between substrate stiffness and eGCX expression, with softer substrates promoting eGCX integrity. Future research directions will incorporate shear stress in EC cultures to provide a more comprehensive understanding of eGCX expression and substrate stiffness under dynamic conditions. This research paves the way for improved strategies in studying vascular diseases by bridging the gap between substrate stiffness and eGCX expression.
