Construction of multi-functional extracellular matrix proteins that promote tube formation of endothelial cells.

We developed artificial extracellular matrix proteins designed to have collagen-binding activity and active functional units that promote network formation of vascular endothelial cells. We engineered a laminin-derived IKVAV sequence, which stimulates capillary network formation of vascular endothelial cells, to incorporate into an elastin-derived structural unit. The designed fusion protein also had a cell-adhesive RGD sequence and a collagen-binding domain derived from fibronectin. The resultant fusion protein could bind to collagen type I and promote angiogenic activity of collagen gel. The collagen-binding domain also had slight angiogenic activity; however, the designed fusion protein also enhanced cellular migration activity. The engineering strategy of designing multi-functional ECM proteins has a possibility for supporting current tissue engineering techniques.