CPB Seminar - Li-Kun Phng

31 October 2024

Li-Kun Phng

We are pleased to announce that the CPB is supporting the seminar hosting Dr. Li-Kun Phng, from the RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan.

Mechanics of vascular tube formation, maintenance and diameter regulation

The blood vascular system is a dynamic, multicellular tissue that adapts to the metabolic demands of development, growth and homeostasis by altering its pattern and morphology. Macroscopic transformation in the vascular network is achieved by microscopic changes in endothelial cell behaviours. For example, vascular expansion through sprouting angiogenesis requires the coordination of endothelial cell migration, proliferation, lumen formation and anastomosis, all of which require specific cell shape changes. At the initial phase of sprouting angiogenesis, endothelial tip cells generate numerous membrane protrusions such as filopodia and lamellipodia that drive efficient migration and anastomosis. During tubulogenesis, apical membranes deform by generating inverse blebs to expand lumens so that blood can be transported efficiently through the blood vascular network. However, following vessel perfusion, endothelial cells become less dynamic and instead develop resistance to the deforming forces of blood pressure to maintain vessel morphology. Endothelial cell shape is therefore dynamic and changes depending on the morphogenetic state of vascular development.

In this seminar, I will present recent advances from my lab in elucidating the mechanical regulation of endothelial cell shape changes and behaviours during vessel lumenisation and remodelling. In particular, I will highlight the role cortical actin organisation and dynamics in controlling endothelial cell mechanoresponse to blood pressure during lumenisation and in driving vessel constriction.

Keywords: Tissue morphogenesis; blood vessels; endothelial cell mechanobiology; actin cytoskeleton; hydrostatic pressure; zebrafish

Time/Location: Thursday, 31th October at 11:00, in the Bryan Matthews Room in PDN (Physiology Building).