The Challenges and Prospects of Smooth Muscle Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Many vascular disorders arise as a result of dysfunctional smooth muscle cells. Tissue engineering strategies have evolved as key approaches to generate functional vascular smooth muscle cells for use in cell-based precision and personalized regenerative medicine approaches. This article highlights some of the challenges that exist in the field and presents some of the prospects for translating research advancements into therapeutic modalities. The article emphasizes the need for better developing synergetic intracellular and extracellular cues in the processes to generate functional vascular smooth muscle cells from different stem cell sources for use in tissue engineering strategies.

Plain language summary

This paper explores the potential of engineering smooth muscle tissues to treat vascular diseases, focusing on challenges like sourcing the right cells and creating supportive environments for cell growth. It highlights advances in materials that mimic the body’s conditions and the use of 3D fabrication methods for creating complex structures. Additionally, it discusses the significance of mitochondrial function in blood vessel muscle cells. The research emphasizes interdisciplinary efforts and personalized treatments as key to developing effective therapies. The goal is to engineer lab-grown tissues that can repair or replace damaged blood vessels, offering hope for addressing major health challenges associated with vascular diseases.

Keywords::

• biochemical
• biophysical
• cardiovascular
• mitochondria
• regenerative engineering • smooth muscles
• stem cells
• tissue engineering

Author contributions

CS Baldwin contributed to collecting and reviewing the literature and drafting the article. S Iyer contributed to reviewing the literature and drafting the article; RR Rao contributed to reviewing the literature and drafting the article.

Financial disclosure

Funding was provided by the US Department of Health and Human Services (National Institutes of Health) Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (1R01HD110536-01A1). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Competing interests disclosure

The authors have no competing interests or relevant affiliations with any organization or entity with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, stock ownership or options and expert testimony.

Writing disclosure

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

Funding was provided by the US Department of Health and Human Services (National Institutes of Health) Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (1R01HD110536-01A1). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.