The study of endothelial cells, which line the interior surface of blood vessels, has become pivotal in understanding cardiovascular diseases. Prof. Dr. Kristina Kusche-Vihrog, head of the Institute of Physiology at the University of Lübeck, delves into the mechanical properties of these cells and their implications for vascular health. Her research highlights how cellular stiffness and the glycocalyx structure affect physiological processes such as blood pressure regulation.

Kusche-Vihrog's work focuses on the interplay between cell mechanics and disease states like hypertension and systemic sclerosis. Using advanced tools like atomic force microscopy (AFM), her team measures the mechanical properties of endothelial cells and uncovers mechanisms underlying endothelial dysfunction. The findings could revolutionize diagnostic methods by providing non-invasive alternatives to traditional approaches.

Unraveling Endothelial Cell Mechanics and Their Impact on Vascular Health

Endothelial cells play a crucial role in maintaining vascular homeostasis through their ability to sense and respond to mechanical forces. These highly flexible cells adjust their behavior based on environmental cues, enabling them to regulate vessel diameter and blood pressure effectively. When disrupted, this delicate balance leads to conditions such as endothelial dysfunction, contributing significantly to cardiovascular diseases.

Prof. Kusche-Vihrog’s research reveals that endothelial cells are equipped with ion channels in their plasma membranes, allowing them to detect vasoactive factors in the bloodstream. Upon deformation caused by blood flow, these cells release substances that either dilate or constrict blood vessels. Furthermore, the integrity of the glycocalyx, a protective layer atop the plasma membrane, is vital for maintaining normal cell function. Damage to this structure results in increased cell stiffness, correlating with arterial stiffness and hypertension. Understanding these interactions provides valuable insights into passive physiological processes and their dysregulation during disease states.

Pioneering Diagnostic Techniques with Atomic Force Microscopy

Innovative techniques like AFM offer unprecedented opportunities to quantify the mechanical properties of living cells. By gently probing the surface of endothelial cells, researchers can assess the height and flexibility of the glycocalyx, as well as the stiffness of the underlying cortical cytoskeleton. This detailed analysis helps elucidate the mechanisms behind endothelial dysfunction and its connection to systemic diseases.

Kusche-Vihrog emphasizes the potential of AFM as a diagnostic tool, particularly in differentiating stages of chronic kidney disease using patient serum samples. Incubating standardized human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with serum allows scientists to measure changes in cortical stiffness and glycocalyx height, offering non-invasive markers for disease progression. Despite challenges in handling delicate living cells and ensuring optimal experimental conditions, advancements in AFM technology promise to streamline these measurements. Future developments aim to integrate AFM into clinical settings, providing clinicians with reliable data on endothelial function and dysfunction. Such innovations could transform the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular and related disorders, enhancing patient care worldwide.