Engineering branching morphogenesis using cell communication

Branching morphogenesis, a specialized part of morphogenesis, leads to the formation of microstructures (tubes, canals, and glands), source of the active organ functions. The dynamic mechanisms involved are appearance/disappearance of biomolecules morphogens gradients. In the context of angiogenesis, growth factors allow the initiation, regulation, and remodeling of blood vessels. In the particular case of micro-vascularization, it seems essential to reproduce and study the interaction of endothelial cells with their environment but also with other cellular components, including fibroblasts.