Poster #065
The Role of Collagen VI in Endothelial Behavior and Vascular Development
Mentors: Soula Danopoulos, PhD and Antony Hoarau, PhD; PI: Soula Danopoulos, PhD
Trisomy 21 (T21), resulting in Down Syndrome, may present with abnormal lung development. This includes disrupted vasculature and elevated Collagen VI (COLVI), a key extracellular matrix protein. This study examines how increased COLVI affects vascular development. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and primary lung endothelial cells (ECs) were treated with COLVI (6 or 12 μg) for 48 hours. Expression of endothelial markers (CDH5, CLDN5, PECAM1), TJP1, and VEGFA was analyzed via RT-qPCR. Migration and angiogenesis assays assessed changes in EC behavior. Treatment with 12 μg COLVI showed a trend toward increased gene expression and enhanced HUVEC migration. Although no significant changes were seen in tube formation parameters, COLVI appeared to influence total mesh area. These findings suggest elevated COLVI may impact endothelial function and contribute to impaired vascular development in T21 lungs.