Mechanobiology of the Endothelium

The endothelium is an excellent example of where biology meets physics and engineering. It must convert mechanical forces into chemical signals to maintain homeostasis. It also controls the immune response, drug delivery through the vasculature, and cancer metastasis. Basic understanding of these processes is starting to emerge and the knowledge gained from research is now being used in applications from drug delivery to imaging modalities. This book reviews current knowledge in mechanobiology of the endothelium and its implications for the development of theranostic devices.

The Endothelium as a Mechanosensor. Mechanobiology of the Endothelial Nucleus. Cancer Metastasis and Biomechanics of the Endothelium. Valvular Endothelial Mechanobiology. Environmental Factors that Influence the Response of the Endothelium to Flow. Differential Response of the Endothelium to Simultaneous Chemical and Mechanical Stimulation in Inflammation Response. The Role of Cholesterol and Lipoproteins in Control of Endothelial Biomechanics. Implications of Fluid Shear Stress in Capillary Sprouting during Adult Microvascular Network Remodeling. Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecules and Drug Delivery Applications. Leukocyte Transendothelial Migration: A Biophysical Event. The Immune System as a Theranostic Device.