Study Unveils How Blood Vessel Dysfunction Worsens Chronic Disease
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have uncovered how specialized cells surrounding small blood vessels, known as perivascular cells, contribute to blood vessel dysfunction in chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and fibrosis. The findings, published in Science Advances, could change how these diseases are treated.
The study used an innovative “blood vessel on-a-chip” model developed by researchers. By replicating conditions like tissue stiffening and scarring — common in aging, chronic diseases and cancer — the researchers discovered that perivascular cells drive blood vessel leakage and distortion, worsening inflammation and disease.
The findings shed light on the relationship between the extracellular matrix, blood vessel function and disease progression. Perivascular cells could become targets for therapies aimed at restoring normal vascular function and reducing the progression of various diseases such as fibrosis, diabetes and cancer.
Importantly, the research also holds promise for cancer prevention and early intervention. Early detection and treatment of changes in these cells could help stop tumors before they grow.
“Historically, endothelial cells lining blood vessels have been considered the main contributors of vascular disease,” said Luiz Bertassoni, D.D.S., Ph.D., founding director of the Knight Cancer Precision Biofabrication Hub and a professor at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute and the OHSU School of Dentistry. “Our findings represent a paradigm shift, showing how perivascular cells, instead, act as important sentinels. They detect changes in tissues and coordinating vascular responses. This opens the door to entirely new treatment strategies.”
Reference: Cristiane M. Franca et al.,Perivascular cells function as key mediators of mechanical and structural changes in vascular capillaries.Sci. Adv.11,eadp3789(2025).DOI:10.1126/sciadv.adp3789
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