Comprehensive analysis of prognostic and immunological role of basement membrane-related genes in soft tissue sarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) represents highly multifarious malignant tumors that often occur in adolescents and have a poor prognosis. The basement membrane, as an ancient cellular matrix, was recently proven to play a vital role in developing abundant tumors. The relationship between basement membrane-related genes and STS remains unknown. METHODS: Consensus clustering was employed to identify subgroups related to differentially expressed basement membrane-related genes. Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analyses were utilized to construct this novel signature. Then, we established a nomogram and calibration curve, including the risk score and available clinical characteristics. Finally, we carried out functional enrichment analysis and immune microenvironment analysis to investigate enriched pathways and the tumor immune microenvironment related to the novel signature. RESULTS: A prognostic predictive signature consisting of eight basement membrane-related genes was established. Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrated that the patients in the high-risk group had a poor prognosis. Independent analysis illustrated that this risk model could be an independent prognostic predictor. We validated the accuracy of our signature in the validation data set. In addition, gene set enrichment analysis and immune microenvironment analysis showed that patients with low-risk scores were enriched in some pathways associated with immunity. Finally, in vitro experiments showed significantly differential expression levels of these signature genes in STS cells and PSAT1 could promote the malignant behavior of STS. CONCLUSIONS: The novel signature is a promising prognostic predictor for STS. The present study may improve the prognosis and enhance individualized treatment for STS in the future.

Pathological diagnosis of Alport syndrome.

Alport syndrome (AS) is a hereditary nephritis characterized by structural abnormalities in the glomerular basement membrane resulting from pathogenic variants in the COL4A3, COL4A4, and COL4A5 genes. Conventional pathological evaluations reveal nonspecific light microscopic changes and diagnostic clues can be obtained through electron microscopy. Type IV collagen staining elucidates distinct patterns based on AS inheritance, aiding in subtype classification. However, limitations arise, particularly in autosomal dominant cases. Genetic testing, particularly next-generation sequencing, gains prominence due to its ability to identify diverse mutations within COL4A3, COL4A4, and COL4A5.

A basement membrane-related signature for prognosis and immunotherapy benefit in bladder cancer based on machine learning.

BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer has a poor clinical outcome because of its high aggressiveness. Basement membrane plays vital functions in tumor invasion and migration. Invasion and distant metastasis of cancer are facilitated by degradation of the basement membrane and extracellular matrix. METHODS: Ten machine learning methods were utilized to develop the basement membrane-related signature (MRS) using datasets from TCGA, GSE13507, GSE31684, GSE32984 and GSE48276. Three anti-PD1 or anti-CTLA4 datasets and several predicting scores were used to investigate the performance of MRS in predicting the immunotherapy benefits. RESULTS: A predicting model based on the Enet algorithm (alpha = 0.1) was chosen as the optimal MRS since it had the highest average C-index being 0.72. According to TCGA data, the MRS showed good performance in predicting bladder cancer patients' clinical outcomes, with area under curves of 0.744, 0.766 and 0.817 for 1, 3, and 5-year receiver operating characteristic curve, respectively. PD1 and CTLA4 immunophenoscopes were associated with a low MRS score, as well as a lower tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion score. As MRS score increased, immune-activated cells levels decreased, tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion score decreased, immune escape score decreased, intratumor heterogeneity score decreased, PD1&CTLA4 immunophenoscore increased, and tumor mutational burden score increased in bladder cancer, suggesting better immunotherapy benefits. Bladder cancer cases with high MRS score was correlated with higher cancer related hallmark scores, including NOTCH and glycolysis signaling. CONCLUSION: A new MRS has been developed for bladder cancer, which could be used to predict prognosis and the success of immunotherapy.

False-positive Serum Antiglomerular Basement Membrane Antibody due to Bovine Serum Albumin-containing Surgical Adhesive: A Case Report.

Antiglomerular basement membrane (GBM) disease has a poor prognosis. The rapid detection of serum anti-GBM antibody using an enzyme immunoassay, which has a high sensitivity and specificity, leads to an early diagnosis and improved prognosis. We report a case of acute kidney injury with false-positive anti-GBM antibody. A man in his early fifties underwent aortic arch replacement using bovine serum albumin (BSA)-containing surgical adhesion. After intravenous administration of vancomycin for a fever, he developed acute kidney injury without an abnormal urinalysis, and his anti-GBM antibody titer (fluorescence enzyme immunoassay [FEIA]) was 70.4 IU/mL. A kidney biopsy showed acute tubular injury and minor glomerular abnormalities without immunoglobulin G deposits, suggesting no evidence of anti-GBM glomerulonephritis. Consistent with the false-positive anti-GBM antibody test results, anti-GBM antibody determined using a chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay was negative. A serum sample showed crossbinding to the FEIA plate from which the GBM antigen was removed. This finding indicated a nonspecific reaction to BSA, which contains a coating solution for the FEIA plate. This reaction was likely caused by anti-BSA antibody produced using BSA-containing surgical adhesion. Our findings suggest emerging challenges in diagnosing anti-GBM disease. Nephrologists must remain vigilant regarding false-positive anti-GBM antibody test results, particularly in cases evaluated with immunoassays that contain BSA.

Laminin 511 E8 fragment promotes to form basement membrane-like structure in human skin equivalents.

Introduction: Laminin 511 (LM511), a component of the skin basement membrane (BM), is known to enhance the adhesion of some cell types and it has been reported to affect cell behavior. A recombinant fragment consisting of the integrin recognition site; E8 region of LM511 (511E8) has also been studied. 511E8 has been reported by many as a superior culture substrate. However, the effects of 511E8 on human skin cells remain unclear. In this study, we added 511E8 during the culture period of a reconstituted skin equivalent (SE) and investigated its effect on the formation of BM-like structures. Methods: SEs were formed by air-liquid culture of human foreskin keratinocytes (HFKs) on contracted type I collagen (Col-I) gels containing human fibroblasts. We compared the BM-like structures formed with and without 511E8 during HFKs culture periods. Morphological analysis, gene expression analysis of extracellular matrix components, and localization analysis of 511E8 in order to identify where 511E8 works were performed. Results: Immunohistochemical observation by light microscopy showed an accumulation of BM components between the gels and cell layers regardless of the addition of 511E8. There was a stronger and more continuous positive staining for LM α3, type IV collagen, and type VII collagen in the 511E8-added group compared to the no-added group. Transmission electron microscopic observation showed that the continuity of BM-like structures was increased with the addition of 511E8. Furthermore, gene expression analysis showed that the 511E8 addition increased some BM component genes expression, with collagen type IV and type VII α1 chains showing significant increases. His-tagged 511E8 was stained around the basal cells of HFK layers, not in basal regions. Co-staining with anti-His-tag and anti-integrin ß1 antibodies revealed the co-localization of theses in some intercellular regions among basal cells. Conclusion: These results suggest that 511E8 effected on HFKs, enhancing the production of BM components and strengthening the anchoring between the Col-I gels and the HFK layers.

How Stem and Progenitor Cells Can Affect Renal Diseases.

Stem and progenitor cells have been observed to contribute to regenerative processes in acute renal failure and chronic kidney disease. Recent research has delved into the intricate mechanisms by which stem and progenitor cells exert their influence on kidney diseases. Understanding how these cells integrate with the existing renal architecture and their response to injury could pave the way for innovative treatment strategies aimed at promoting kidney repair and regeneration. Overall, the role of stem and progenitor cells in kidney diseases is multifaceted, with their ability to contribute to tissue regeneration, immune modulation, and the maintenance of renal homeostasis. Here, we review the studies that we have available today about the involvement of stem and progenitor cells both in regenerative therapies and in the causes of renal diseases, as well as in natural healing mechanisms, taking into account the main kidney disorders, such as IgA nephropathy, lupus nephritis, diabetic nephropathy, C3 glomerulopathy, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, idiopathic membranous nephropathy, anti-glomerular basement membrane glomerulonephritis, and ANCA-associated crescentic glomerulonephritis. Moreover, based on the comprehensive data available in the framework of the specific kidney diseases on stem cells and renal progenitors, we hypothesize a possible role of adult renal progenitors in exacerbating or recovering the illness.

Integrative genomics unveils basement membrane-related diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is often diagnosed at advanced stages due to the inherent limitations of current screening methodologies. Central to evaluating tumor invasion and prognostic assessment in ESCC is the integrity of the basement membrane (BM). However, current research on the implications of BM-related genes (BMRGs) in diagnosing ESCC remains sparse. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive analysis using single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, alongside gene expression profiles acquired from GEO and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. This identified differentially expressed BMRGs in ESCC. Employing LASSO, RF, and SVM-RFE, we selected potential BM biomarkers and crafted a diagnostic nomogram for ESCC, validated by ROC curves and AUC values. We also explored immune infiltration and biological mechanisms through consensus clustering and GSVA, and utilized single cell trajectory analysis and GSCALite to study gene distributions and pathways. In vitro experiments further elucidated the role of these genes in ESCC carcinogenesis. RESULTS: Here, we discovered that ESCC cell types exhibited markedly elevated BM-related scores. Our analysis pinpointed seven BM genes upregulated and linked to immune infiltration, showcasing unique gene expression profiles and varying immune cell densities across the BM-related subtypes. Furthermore, a robust positive correlation was observed between these genes expression and EMT activity. The knockdown of BGN significantly suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, while also augmenting cell viability following chemotherapy drug treatment. CONCLUSION: Our study identified seven key BMRGs (BGN, LAMB3, SPARC, MMP1, LUM, COL4A1, and NELL2) and established a diagnostic nomogram for ESCC. Of noteworthy significance is the discovery of BGN as a promising drug target, indicating a novel strategy for future clinical combination therapies in ESCC.

Pathological and vascular changes in the rat testiсle after experimental trauma.

Objective: Mechanical trauma to the testicles poses a potential risk of tissue destruction, disruption of local blood supply, and impairment of spermatogenesis, which can ultimately lead to infertility. Therefore, investigating this topic is crucial. The study aimed to identify cytological and morphological changes in the testicular tissue of laboratory rats following mechanical trauma to the organ. Methods: Observations were recorded on days 7, 14, 30, and 90 post-trauma. The experiment involved two groups of animals: a control group of healthy animals and an experimental group that sustained blunt mechanical trauma. Tissue samples were collected, fixed, dehydrated, and embedded in paraffin; subsequently, sections were prepared and stained. Structural changes in tissues and cells were documented using light and transmission electron microscopy. Results: In the experimental sample, notable changes included a decrease in organ weight, thickening of the protein shell and tubule walls, sclerotisation of the tubule membrane, narrowing of tubule diameter, reduced spermatozoa and spermatids titre, diminished capillary network and spermatogenic epithelium, uneven blood vessel lumen expansion, and decreased volume of Leydig cell nuclei. Additionally, in cells under different functional loads, the cytoplasm was vacuolated, mitochondrial cristae and the Golgi apparatus were diminished, cytoplasm volume decreased, karyopyknosis was observed, and uncharacteristic protrusions appeared on the surface of the cytoplasmic membrane. The severity of destruction at the cellular and tissue levels showed a positive correlation with time. Conclusion: The data obtained from these model sites can be predictive for clinical trials.

Biomechanical properties of laminins and their impact on cancer progression.

Laminins (LMs) constitute a family of heterotrimeric glycoproteins essential for the formation of basement membranes (BM). They act as molecular bridges between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM), thereby transmitting signals influencing cell behavior and tissue organization. In the realm of cancer pathobiology, LMs regulate key processes such as migration, differentiation, or fibrosis. This review critically examines the multifaceted impact of LMs on tumor progression, with a particular focus on the isoform-specific structure-function relationships, and how this structural diversity contributes to the biomechanical properties of BMs. LM interactions with integrin and non-integrin cell surface receptors, as well as with other ECM proteins, modify the response of cancer cells to the ECM stiffness, ultimately influencing the capacity of malignant cells to breach the BM, a limiting step in metastatic dissemination. Comprehension of the mechanisms underlying LM-driven tumor biomechanics holds potential for better understand cancer pathobiology and design new targeted therapeutic strategies.

Physiological Stimulus for the Synthesis of Basement Membrane Proteins Leading to Its Reconstruction.

The aim of the present study was to report the remodeling of the basement membrane through physiological stimulus during the treatment of fibrosis in a lower limb with lymphedema. A clinical trial was conducted involving the evaluation of the basement membrane in skin biopsies before and after treatment for clinical stage II lower limb lymphedema using the Godoy method for the reversal of lymphedema and skin fibrosis. The samples were stained with Gomori's reticulin stain and evaluated using Weibel's multipoint morphometric method at the Godoy Clinic. Prior to treatment for lymphedema, rupture and important discontinuity of the basement membrane was found. After treatment, structural continuity and thickness had returned to the regions of previous rupture. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05, paired t-test). The present study reports that physiological stimuli targeting the lymphatic system led to the clinical reversal of fibrosis, as well as stimulate the synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins and the reconstruction of the basal lamina of the skin.

Anti-glomerular basement membrane disease complicated by malaria during pregnancy with successful maternal and fetal outcomes: a case report.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is not uncommon during pregnancy but anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) disease as a cause is rare. We report a case of a 30-year-old female, gravida 3, para 2, referred for impaired kidney function found during the investigation of anemia, around the 27th week of gestation. Kidney biopsy revealed crescentic glomerulonephritis secondary to anti-GBM antibodies. Aggressive therapy with intravenous pulse steroids, pulse cyclophosphamide, and plasma exchange was started. Her kidney function improved and anti-GBM titers fell to below 10 RU/ml. The illness was complicated by the development of malaria at about 32 weeks of gestation. Although malaria was promptly diagnosed and treated, it likely led to vaginal bleeding that required emergency cesarean section. She delivered a healthy live baby at 33 weeks of gestation. This case highlights the need for aggressive therapy for anti-GBM disease in pregnancy.

Anti-Tubular Basement Membrane Antibody Nephritis Manifesting in a Patient With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Very Rare Case Report.

Anti-tubular basement membrane (anti-TBM) antibody nephritis is a rare type of tubulointerstitial nephritis associated with progressive decline in kidney function. It is characterized histopathologically by tubular atrophy and dilation, interstitial fibrosis, lymphocyte and macrophage-predominant cellular infiltration, and linear deposition of IgG and complement along the tubular basement membrane. We herein present a case of a 69-year-old male who was recently diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and was referred for evaluation of kidney failure, ultimately diagnosed as anti-TBM antibody nephritis progressing into end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). This case report highlights the management challenges of anti-TBM antibody nephritis as a rare kidney disorder.

Anti-Laminin ß4 IgG Drives Tissue Damage in Anti-p200 Pemphigoid and Shows Interactions with Laminin α3 and γ1/2 Chains.

Laminin ß4 was recently identified as a structural component of the dermal-epidermal junction and autoantigen of anti-p200 pemphigoid. In this study, we provided further evidence of the pathogenic effect of anti-laminin ß4 IgG and identified potential binding partners of laminin ß4. We showed that laminin ß4 immune complexes led to activation of normal leukocytes and dose-dependent ROS release. Using cryosections of normal skin, we demonstrated that anti-laminin ß4 patient serum IgG but not anti-laminin γ1 IgG, which are also detectable in patients with anti-p200 pemphigoid, cause dermal-epidermal separation in the presence of leukocytes. Proximity ligation assay and indirect immunofluorescence staining suggested that laminin ß4 localizes closely to laminin α3 and γ2 in primary keratinocytes. Subsequent coimmunoprecipitation experiments using epidermal extracts confirmed the interaction of laminin ß4 with the α3 and γ2 chains and indicated additional affinity to laminin γ1. The laminin ß4-α3/ß4-γ1 protein complexes were also detected using mass spectrometry. In conclusion, this study showed that anti-laminin ß4 IgG can exert tissue damage in the skin, supporting their pathogenic role in anti-p200 pemphigoid. Our data further provide strong evidence for an interaction of laminin ß4 with laminin α3, whereas its association to the laminin γ1 and γ2 chains is ambiguous.

Anti-GBM Nephritis in an 11-Year-Old Female Child: A Rare Case Report.

Anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) nephritis is a rare autoimmune condition involving the glomerular basement membrane of the kidneys. This case report describes an 11-year-old female who presented with edema, decreased urine output, and altered sensorium, progressing to hypertension and requiring emergent hemodialysis. A renal biopsy showing Immunoglobulin G (IgG) linear deposits confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone and antihypertensives and then scheduled for regular dialysis. This case underscores the critical need for early diagnosis and aggressive management to prevent severe complications in pediatric anti-GBM disease.

Collagen IV deficiency causes hypertrophic remodeling and endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization in small vessel disease with intracerebral hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Genetic variants in COL4A1 and COL4A2 (encoding collagen IV alpha chain 1/2) occur in genetic and sporadic forms of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), a leading cause of stroke, dementia and intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). However, the molecular mechanisms of CSVD with ICH and COL4A1/COL4A2 variants remain obscure. METHODS: Vascular function and molecular investigations in mice with a Col4a1 missense mutation and heterozygous Col4a2 knock-out mice were combined with analysis of human brain endothelial cells harboring COL4A1/COL4A2 mutations, and brain tissue of patients with sporadic CSVD with ICH. FINDINGS: Col4a1 missense mutations cause early-onset CSVD independent of hypertension, with enhanced vasodilation of small arteries due to endothelial dysfunction, vascular wall thickening and reduced stiffness. Mechanistically, the early-onset dysregulated endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH) is due to reduced collagen IV levels with elevated activity and levels of endothelial Ca2+-sensitive K+ channels. This results in vasodilation via the Na/K pump in vascular smooth muscle cells. Our data support this endothelial dysfunction preceding development of CSVD-associated ICH is due to increased cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels in endothelial cells. Moreover, cerebral blood vessels of patients with sporadic CSVD show genotype-dependent mechanisms with wall thickening and lower collagen IV levels in those harboring common non-coding COL4A1/COL4A2 risk alleles. INTERPRETATION: COL4A1/COL4A2 variants act in genetic and sporadic CSVD with ICH via dysregulated EDH, and altered vascular wall thickness and biomechanics due to lower collagen IV levels and/or mutant collagen IV secretion. These data highlight EDH and collagen IV levels as potential treatment targets. FUNDING: MRC, Wellcome Trust, BHF.

Identification and validation of basement membrane-associated gene AGRN as prognostic and immune-associated biomarkers in colorectal cancer patients.

Colorectal cancer (COCA) has a poor prognosis, with growing evidence implicating basement membranes (BMs) in cancer progression. Our goal was to investigate the role and predictive significance of BMs in COCA patients. We obtained BMs-related genes from cutting-edge research and used TCGA and GTEx databases for mRNA expression and patient information. Cox regression and LASSO regression were used for prognostic gene selection and risk model construction. We compared prognosis using Kaplan-Meier analysis and examined drug sensitivity differences. The CMAP dataset identified potential small molecule drugs. In vitro tests involved suppressing a crucial gene to observe its impact on tumour metastasis. We developed a 12 BMs-based approach, finding it to be an independent prognostic factor. Functional analysis showed BMs concentrated in cancer-associated pathways, correlating with immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint activation. High-risk individuals exhibited increased drug sensitivity. AGRN levels were linked to decreased progression-free survival (p < 0.001). AGRN knockdown suppressed tumour growth and metastasis. Our study offers new perspectives on BMs in COCA, concluding that AGRN is a dependable biomarker for patient survival and prognosis.

Identification of UNC5B as a novel aggressive biomarker for osteosarcoma based on basement membrane genes.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of patients with metastatic osteosarcoma is poor, and the variation of basement membrane genes (BMGs) is associated with cancer metastasis. However, the role of BMGs in osteosarcoma has been poorly studied. METHODS: BMGs were collected and differentially expressed BMGs (DE-BMGs) were found through difference analysis. DE-BMGs were further screened by univariate Cox regression and Lasso regression analyses, and six key BMGs were identified and defined as basement membrane genes signatures (BMGS). Then, BMGS was used to construct the osteosarcoma BMGS risk score system, and the osteosarcoma patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups based on the median risk score. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and ESTIMATE scores were used to investigate the differences in immune infiltration between the two scoring groups. Additionally, we investigated whether UNC5B affects various features in tumors by bioinformatic analysis and whether UNC5B was involved in multiple biological functions of osteosarcoma cells by wound healing assay, transwell assay, and western blot. RESULTS: The osteosarcoma BMGS risk score reliably predicts the risk of metastasis, patient prognosis, and immunity. UNC5B expression was elevated in osteosarcoma, and correlated with various characteristics such as immune infiltration, prognosis, and drug sensitivity. In vitro assays showed that UNC5B knockdown reduced osteosarcoma cells' capacity for migration and invasion, and EMT process. CONCLUSION: A novel BMGS risk score system that can effectively predict the prognosis of osteosarcoma was developed and validated. The UNC5B gene in this system is one of the key aggressive biomarkers of osteosarcoma.

Skeletal pathology in mouse models of Gould syndrome is partially alleviated by genetically reducing TGFß signaling.

Skeletal defects are hallmark features of many extracellular matrix (ECM) and collagen-related disorders. However, a biological function in bone has never been defined for the highly evolutionarily conserved type IV collagen. Collagen type IV alpha 1 (COL4A1) and alpha 2 (COL4A2) form α1α1α2 (IV) heterotrimers that represent a fundamental basement membrane constituent present in every organ of the body, including the skeleton. COL4A1 and COL4A2 mutations cause Gould syndrome, a variable and clinically heterogenous multisystem disorder generally characterized by the presence of cerebrovascular disease with ocular, renal, and muscular manifestations. We have previously identified elevated TGFß signaling as a pathological insult resulting from Col4a1 mutations and demonstrated that reducing TGFß signaling ameliorate ocular and cerebrovascular phenotypes in Col4a1 mutant mouse models of Gould syndrome. In this study, we describe the first characterization of skeletal defects in Col4a1 mutant mice that include a developmental delay in osteogenesis and structural, biomechanical and vascular alterations of mature bones. Using distinct mouse models, we show that allelic heterogeneity influences the presentation of skeletal pathology resulting from Col4a1 mutations. Importantly, we found that TGFß target gene expression is elevated in developing bones from Col4a1 mutant mice and show that genetically reducing TGFß signaling partially ameliorates skeletal manifestations. Collectively, these findings identify a novel and unsuspected role for type IV collagen in bone biology, expand the spectrum of manifestations associated with Gould syndrome to include skeletal abnormalities, and implicate elevated TGFß signaling in skeletal pathogenesis in Col4a1 mutant mice.

Fabrication of Porous Collagen Scaffolds Containing Embedded Channels with Collagen Membrane Linings.

Tissues and organs contain an extracellular matrix (ECM). In the case of blood vessels, endothelium cells are anchored to a specialized basement membrane (BM) embedded inside the interstitial matrix (IM). We introduce a multi-structural collagen-based scaffold with embedded microchannels that mimics in vivo structures within vessels. Our scaffold consists of two parts, each containing two collagen layers, i.e., a 3D porous collagen layer analogous to IM lined with a thin 2D collagen film resembling the BM. Enclosed microchannels were fabricated using contact microprinting. Microchannel test structures with different sizes ranging from 300 to 800 µm were examined for their fabrication reproducibility. The heights and perimeters of the fabricated microchannels were ~20% less than their corresponding values in the replication PDMS mold; however, microchannel widths were significantly closer to their replica dimensions. The stiffness, permeability, and pore size properties of the 2D and 3D collagen layers were measured. The permeability of the 2D collagen film was negligible, making it suitable for mimicking the BM of large blood vessels. A leakage test at various volumetric flow rates applied to the microchannels showed no discharge, thereby verifying the reliability of the proposed integrated 2D/3D collagen parts and the contact printing method used for bonding them in the scaffold. In the future, multi-cell culturing will be performed within the 3D porous collagen and against the 2D membrane inside the microchannel, hence preparing this scaffold for studying a variety of blood vessel-tissue interfaces. Also, thicker collagen scaffold tissues will be fabricated by stacking several layers of the proposed scaffold.