Current model systems used to investigate angiogenesis in vivo rely on the interpretation of
results obtained with nonhuman endothelial cells. Recent advances in tissue engineering
and molecular biology suggest the possibility of engineering human microvessels in vivo.
Here we show that human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMEC) transplanted
into severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice on biodegradable polymer matrices
differentiate into functional human microvessels that anastomose with the mouse …