What are endothelial cells?
Endothelial cells are vital components of the circulatory system and play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of blood vessels. These cells are flat, elongated cells with a smooth surface that allows for efficient blood flow. They have a well-defined cytoplasm and an extensive network of cytoplasmic extensions that form close contact with each other and the underlying basement membrane. They secrete various substances that influence blood vessel function, including nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow, and endothelin, which constricts blood vessels and decreases blood flow. Endothelial cells also play a role in preventing blood clotting by producing anti-coagulants and inhibiting the adherence of platelets to the blood vessel wall.
A variety of factors can impact the functioning of endothelial cells, including disease, aging, and lifestyle factors. In order to better understand these cells and their role in human health, researchers have been investigating various methods of culturing these cells in the laboratory.
These cells are derived from the inner lining of blood vessels and can be easily harvested and cultured in the lab. PELOBiotech offers a range of classical media products designed specifically for the cultivation of these cells. These media products are optimized for the growth and proliferation of classical endothelial cells and contain all the necessary nutrients and growth factors.
Labelled cells are another type of endothelial cells specifically modified for research purposes. These cells have been labelled with a fluorescent protein or another marker, making them easily visible under a microscope. PELOBiotech offers a specialized medium for the cultivation of labelled cells, which has been specifically designed to support the growth and proliferation of these cells while also preserving their unique labelling properties.
iPSC or MSC-derived endothelial cells are yet another type of endothelial cells that are becoming increasingly popular for research purposes. These cells are derived from induced pluripotent stem cells or mesenchymal stem cells, respectively. PELOBiotech also offers a specialized medium for the cultivation of these cells, which has been specifically formulated to support their growth and proliferation while maintaining their unique properties.
Endothelial cells and diseases: Role in cardiovascular disease and other diseases
Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and the dysfunction of endothelial cells plays a crucial role in its development and progression. Endothelial cells regulate blood flow and maintain the integrity of blood vessels, but when they become damaged or dysfunctional, they can contribute to the formation of fatty deposits, known as atherosclerosis, in the blood vessels. This accumulation of fatty deposits narrows the blood vessels, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
In addition to their role in cardiovascular disease, endothelial cells also play a significant role in the development and progression of various other diseases, including brain diseases such as stroke and multiple sclerosis, liver diseases such as liver fibrosis, lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and kidney diseases such as nephropathy.
In cancer, the function of endothelial cells can also be altered, leading to increased blood flow to the tumor, which facilitates its growth and spread. The formation of new blood vessels, known as angiogenesis, is a critical step in the progression of cancer, as it provides the tumor with the necessary oxygen and nutrients for growth. Endothelial cells are involved in this process and their dysfunction can contribute to the development and progression of cancer.
What assays can we do with endothelial cells to study diseases?
Endothelial cells, which are critical components of the blood vessels, can be used for a variety of assays.
Some of the assays that can be performed with endothelial cells are:
- Angiogenesis assays: Angiogenesis assays, such as the Matrigel® plug angiogenesis assay, are designed to measure the formation of new blood vessels from existing vessels. To test the effects of drugs; if it inhibit or promotes angiogenesis. If you're experiencing a backorder or unavailability of Matrigel®, we offer an alternative solution with our Extragel. Please feel free to contact us for more details.
- Endothelial cell migration assays: These assays measure the movement of endothelial cells along a substrate or through a matrix, which is an important aspect of blood vessel formation and repair.
- Tube formation assays: These assays measure the ability of endothelial cells to form capillary-like tubes in vitro, which is a hallmark of angiogenesis.
- Endothelial cell proliferation assays: These assays measure the rate of division of endothelial cells, which is important for maintaining blood vessel integrity and repairing damaged blood vessels.
- Endothelial permeability assays: These assays measure the ability of endothelial cells to allow molecules and ions to pass through them, which is critical for maintaining blood vessel function.
- Endothelial cell function assays: These assays measure the ability of endothelial cells to perform functions such as regulating blood flow, controlling blood pressure, and preventing blood clotting.
- Endothelial cell viability assays: These assays measure the ability of endothelial cells to survive and maintain normal functions, which is important for maintaining blood vessel integrity and preventing disease.
- Blood-brain assays: Numerous assays such as trans-well assay, electrical resistance assay, visualization with fluorescence microscopy and Immunofluorescence can be used to study the properties such as permeability of the blood-brain barrier using endothelial cells. Nzou et. al. have created a BBB using our products to have more predictive 3D models you can read more about it in our article.
- Organoid assays: Endothelial cells can be utilized to conduct tube-forming assays to study angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, and vascular remodeling, they can be cocultured to study interactions and migration to discover new mechanisms that influence angiogenesis.
Why is PELOMedia great for endothelial cells?
PELOBiotech offers a range of media products that are designed specifically for the cultivation of endothelial cells, this is ideally suited to you for the reasons below.
- Products have a long shelf life of up to 2 years
- Products are interchangeable between all types of endothelial cells
- Low cost due to streamlined production process and precise calculation
- Produced using ultrafiltered water for high purity suitable for injection solutions
- Produced in a Class 100 clean room under strict conditions and established SOPs
- Regular in-house testing to ensure consistent functionality and necessary adjustments to the supplement composite
- Advantages include long shelf life, interchangeability, low cost, and reliable and reproducible results.
PELOMedia is much better for your endothelial cells as our media is made with ultrafiltered water which are Endotoxin-free. Normal media from competitors might not be ultrafiltered because endotoxins can have adverse effects on cells and may compromise the accuracy and reproducibility of experimental results. Endotoxins can interfere with cell growth and viability, as well as alter cell signaling pathways and gene expression profiles.
1. They can also activate immune cells and induce inflammation, which can further impact experimental outcomes
2. In addition, endotoxins can interfere with the accuracy and reproducibility of assays that are used to measure cell function or molecular interactions. When present in injection products such as vaccines and drugs, endotoxins can lead to pyrogenic responses that range from fever and chills to severe and even fatal septic shock.
References
Roman A, Korostyński M, Jankowska-Kieltyka M, Piechota M, Hajto J, Nalepa I. Gene Expression Changes Induced by Exposure of RAW 264.7 Macrophages to Particulate Matter of Air Pollution: The Role of Endotoxins. Biomolecules. 2022 Aug 10;12(8):1100. doi: 10.3390/biom12081100. PMID: 36008994; PMCID: PMC9405577.
Sedivy-Haley, K., Blimkie, T., Falsafi, R., Lee, A. H.-Y., & Hancock, R. E. (2022). A Transcriptomic analysis of the effects of macrophage polarization and endotoxin tolerance on the response to salmonella. PLOS ONE, 17(10). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0276010
