
Research Unit "Regeneration in aged"
The Research Unit 2165 Regeneration in Aged Individuals: Using Bone Healing as a Model System to Characterise Regeneration under Compromised Conditions aims to understand the basic mechanisms that impede the otherwise effective healing process along the two pathways of early immune response and restoration of mechanical competence through aging.
You are here:
Outer vascular mechanics as an age-dependent regulatory cue in sprouting angiogenesis and vessel patterning

Angiogenesis plays an essential role in bone healing and it is believed that morphogen gradients are the driving factors which orchestrate this process. However, it is largely unknown how the direct mechanical interaction of endothelial cells with stromal cells and cell-secreted ECM assists sprouting angiogenesis. Using a combined in vitro/in vivo/in silico approach, we aim at a better understanding of how pull forces from extravascular cells mediate directed sprouting as well as how they are involved in the stabilization of nascent micro-capillary structures and vessel patterning. We propose that changes in the force balance between endothelial and stromal cells compromises the capability for mechanically assisted angiogenesis in aging and thus affects fracture repair.
Publications
- Authors:Abdalrahman, T.; Checa, S.
Journal:Biomech Model Mechanobiol Year:2022; Volume:21Issue:(6):Pages:1623-1640.
Title:On the role of mechanical signals on sprouting angiogenesis through computer modeling approaches - Authors:Brauer, E.; Lippens, E.; Klein, O.; Nebrich, G.; Schreivogel, S.; Korus, G.; Duda, G. N.; Petersen, A.
Journal:Adv Sci (Weinh) Year:2019; Volume:9Issue:(6):Pages:1801780.
Title:Collagen Fibrils Mechanically Contribute to Tissue Contraction in an In Vitro Wound Healing Scenario - Authors:Kuhn, C.; Checa, S.
Journal:Front Physiol Year:2019; Volume:10:Pages:288.
Title:Computational Modeling to Quantify the Contributions of VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and Lateral Inhibition in Sprouting Angiogenesis