A mechanostimulation system for revealing intercellular calcium communication in HUVEC networks

Michael Junkin, Yi Lu, Juexuan Long, Pierre A. Deymier, James B. Hoying, Pak Kin Wong

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This paper reports a mechanostimulation system for studying mechanically induced intercellular calcium signaling in networks of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). By incorporating a capacitive (comb drive) force probe and plasma lithography cell patterning, the roles of biophysical factors, including force, duration, and network architecture, in calcium intercellular communication can be investigated systematically. Particularly, we observed cancellation of calcium waves in linear networks and bi-directional splitting in cross junctions. The effects of key biophysical factors on intercellular calcium wave propagation were studied. These results demonstrate the applicability of the mechanostimulation system in studying intercellular calcium signaling and reveal the robustness of calcium signaling in HUVEC networks, which mimics the vasculature.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationNANOMED 2012 - 6th IEEE International Conference on Nano/Molecular Medicine and Engineering
Pages92-95
Number of pages4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012
Event6th IEEE International Conference on Nano/Molecular Medicine and Engineering, NANOMED 2012 - Bangkok, Thailand
Duration: Nov 4 2012Nov 7 2012

Publication series

NameIEEE International Conference on Nano/Molecular Medicine and Engineering, NANOMED
ISSN (Print)2159-6964
ISSN (Electronic)2159-6972

Other

Other6th IEEE International Conference on Nano/Molecular Medicine and Engineering, NANOMED 2012
Country/TerritoryThailand
CityBangkok
Period11/4/1211/7/12

Keywords

  • Calcium signaling
  • Endothelial networks
  • HUVEC
  • Intercellular Communications

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Microbiology (medical)

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