LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole polytechnique, Institut polytechnique de Paris, 91120, Palaiseau, France
LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole polytechnique, Institut polytechnique de Paris, 91120, Palaiseau, France.
J Cell Sci. 2021 Mar 22;134(6):jcs240226. doi: 10.1242/jcs.240226.
Pericytes are mural cells of the microvasculature, recognized by their thin processes and protruding cell body. Pericytes wrap around endothelial cells and play a central role in regulating various endothelial functions, including angiogenesis and inflammation. They also serve as a vascular support and regulate blood flow by contraction. Prior reviews have examined pericyte biological functions and biochemical signaling pathways. In this Review, we focus on the role of mechanics and mechanobiology in regulating pericyte function. After an overview of the morphology and structure of pericytes, we describe their interactions with both the basement membrane and endothelial cells. We then turn our attention to biophysical considerations, and describe contractile forces generated by pericytes, mechanical forces exerted on pericytes, and pericyte responses to these forces. Finally, we discuss 2D and 3D engineered models for studying pericyte mechano-responsiveness and underscore the need for more evolved models that provide improved understanding of pericyte function and dysfunction.
周细胞是微血管的壁细胞，其特征为薄突的细长突起和伸出的胞体。周细胞环绕内皮细胞，在调节多种内皮功能中发挥核心作用，包括血管生成和炎症。它们还作为血管支持细胞，通过收缩调节血流。先前的综述已经研究了周细胞的生物学功能和生化信号通路。在这篇综述中，我们重点关注力学和机械生物学在调节周细胞功能中的作用。在概述了周细胞的形态和结构之后，我们描述了它们与基底膜和内皮细胞的相互作用。然后，我们转向生物物理方面，描述周细胞产生的收缩力、施加在周细胞上的机械力以及周细胞对这些力的反应。最后，我们讨论了用于研究周细胞机械反应性的 2D 和 3D 工程模型，并强调需要更先进的模型来更好地理解周细胞的功能和功能障碍。
