Understanding Microvascular Growth through Experimental and Computational Modelling

Understanding microvascular growth, similar to other physiological processes, requires identifying multiple cell, system, and environmental interactions. A challenge is identifying such dynamics when you cannot observe them using traditional experimental approaches. This presentation will highlight the impact of novel tissue engineering motivated and computational models on understanding cell dynamics during microvascular growth. Specifically, novel observations made possible by biomimetic model development will motivate paradigm creating questions. Then the value of computational approaches will be emphasized by the consideration of shear stresses experienced by endothelial cells during the growth of new blood vessels. Altogether the results will serve to frame an appreciation for experimental and computational modelling in guiding how vascular biologists and physiologists might think about the microcirculation.