Influence of Substrate Stiffness on Barrier Function in an iPSC-Derived In Vitro Blood-Brain Barrier Model

Introduction Vascular endothelial cells respond to a variety of biophysical cues such as shear stress and substrate stiffness. In peripheral vasculature, extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffening alters barrier function, leading to increased vascular permeability in atherosclerosis and pulmonary edema. The effect of ECM stiffness on blood-brain barrier (BBB) endothelial cells, however, has not been explored. To investigate this topic, we incorporated hydrogel substrates into an in vitro model of the human BBB. Methods Induced pluripotent stem cells were differentiated to brain microvascular endothelial-like (BMEC-like) cells and cultured on hydrogel substrates of varying stiffness. Cellular changes were measured by imaging, functional assays such as transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and p-glycoprotein efflux activity, and bulk transcriptome readouts. Results The magnitude and longevity of TEER in iPSC-derived BMEC-like cells is enhanced on compliant substrates. Quantitative imaging shows that BMEC-like cells form fewer intracellular actin stress fibers on substrates of intermediate stiffness (20 kPa relative to 1 and 150 kPa). Chemical induction of actin polymerization leads to a rapid decline in TEER, agreeing with imaging readouts. P-glycoprotein activity is unaffected by substrate stiffness. Modest differences in RNA expression corresponding to specific signaling pathways were observed as a function of substrate stiffness. Conclusions iPSC-derived BMEC-like cells exhibit differences in passive but not active barrier function in response to substrate stiffness. These findings may provide insight into BBB dysfunction during neurodegeneration, as well as aid in the optimization of more complex three-dimensional neurovascular models utilizing compliant hydrogels.