In this MASc oral exam, David Dency will be discussing their research into Effect of substrate topography on human vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and phenotype change
Abstract:
Micro- and nanoscale surface topography has been proven to affect cell fate and has attracted researchers to evaluate the topographic influence on different cell behaviours. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play an active role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Proliferation and migration of VSMCs result in atherosclerosis and intimal hyperplasia (IH) formation and have been identified as one of the main contributors to stent and bypass graft re-stenosis. The modulation behaviours of topographies on the VSMC responses have been previously demonstrated, but many focused on limited types and dimensions of topographies. In this study, we hypothesized that by changing the geometry, isotropy and size of topographies, VSMC fate, especially proliferation, migration and contractile-synthetic phenotype changes, could be directed. This study introduces a promising strategy for regulating VSMC behavior through substrate topography, leveraging biophysical cues to promote a contractile phenotype while suppressing proliferation. By incorporating these insights into the design of biomimetic graft surfaces, this approach holds significant potential to address the limitations of sSDVGs, reduce complications such as IH, and improve long-term graft patency.
Supervisor: Professor;Yim