Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10316/81285
Title: A local uPAR-plasmin-TGFβ1 positive feedback loop in a qualitative computational model of angiogenic sprouting explains the in vitro effect of fibrinogen variants
Authors: E. M. Boas, Sonja 
Carvalho, João 
van den Broek, Marloes 
M. Weijers, Ester 
Goumans, Marie-José 
Goumans, Marie-José 
Koolwijk, Pieter 
M. H. Merks, Roeland 
Issue Date: 6-Jul-2018
Publisher: PLOS Computational Biology
Volume: 14
Issue: 7
Abstract: In experimental assays of angiogenesis in three-dimensional fibrin matrices, a temporary scaffold formed during wound healing, the type and composition of fibrin impacts the level of sprouting. More sprouts form on high molecular weight (HMW) than on low molecular weight (LMW) fibrin. It is unclear what mechanisms regulate the number and the positions of the vascular-like structures in cell cultures. To address this question, we propose a mechanistic simulation model of endothelial cell migration and fibrin proteolysis by the plasmin system. The model is a hybrid, cell-based and continuum, computational model based on the cellular Potts model and sets of partial-differential equations. Based on the model results, we propose that a positive feedback mechanism between uPAR, plasmin and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) selects cells in the monolayer for matrix invasion. Invading cells releases TGFβ1 from the extracellular matrix through plasmin-mediated fibrin degradation. The activated TGFβ1 further stimulates fibrin degradation and keeps proteolysis active as the sprout invades the fibrin matrix. The binding capacity for TGFβ1 of LMW is reduced relative to that of HMW. This leads to reduced activation of proteolysis and, consequently, reduced cell ingrowth in LMW fibrin compared to HMW fibrin. Thus our model predicts that endothelial cells in LMW fibrin matrices compared to HMW matrices show reduced sprouting due to a lower bio-availability of TGFβ1.
URI: https://hdl.handle.net/10316/81285
ISSN: 1553-7358
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006239
Rights: openAccess
Appears in Collections:I&D CFis - Artigos em Revistas Internacionais

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