Design and Biosynthesis of Elastin-like Artificial Extracellular Matrix Proteins Containing Periodically Spaced Fibronectin CS5 Domains

The preparation of artificial extracellular matrix proteins for vascular reconstruction is discussed. The proteins consist of a repeating unit structure (GVPGI) related to mammalian elastic and a cell-binding domain (CS5) derived from the natural extracellular matrix protein fibronectin. The CS5 region of the fibronectin contains the REDV sequence previously shown to support attachment and spreading of endothelial cells, but not smooth muscle cells or platelets, on artificial surfaces. The microbial expression of the artificial extracellular matrix proteins carrying CS5 domains is described, along with the kinetics of vascular endothelial cell attachment and spreading.