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MT1-MMP activity is required for endothelial lumen formation and generation of vascular guidance tunnels in 3-dimensional collagen matrices. GFP-labeled endothelial cells were seeded within 3-dimensional collagen matrices and allowed to form lumens and tube networks. Cultures were fixed at 96 hours and immunostained for the collagen type I matrix using a monoclonal antibody that recognizes native but not denatured collagen type I and an Alexa Fluor 594–conjugated secondary antibody. Fluorescent images were overlaid to reveal both the endothelial cell tube networks (green) and the vascular guidance tunnels (black areas) that are created during these events (the collagen matrix is stained red). See the article by Stratman et al on page 237.