Angiogenesis is the process by which new blood vessels develop from the vascular network already present in the body. Angiogenesis is tightly regulated by various growth factors and signaling pathways that promote the migration and proliferation of endothelial cells. This process is important for delivering essential substances like oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body and eliminating waste products. Thus, it is an essential step for a variety of physiological and pathological conditions such as wound healing, tissue regeneration, and tumor growth. Given its importance, angiogenesis is a target for therapeutic intervention in diseases such as cancer, where inhibiting new blood vessel growth and thereby prevents tumor growth and metastasis.
Fig.1 Cancer hallmark: Angiogenesis.1, 3
This is the formation of new blood vessels sprouting from existing vasculature, often initiated by specific growth factors. Endothelial cells sprout from blood vessels and extend towards the stimulus, creating new pathways for blood flow to reach tissues lacking adequate blood supply.
This is a process where a capillary forms by one blood vessel splitting into two to create a new capillary. It does not involve sprouting, but rather, endothelial cells move into the opening (lumen) of the blood vessel and create pillars that lead to the growth of new capillary branches.
Fig.2 Interaction of several signaling pathways in the process of tumor angiogenesis.2, 3
Tumor angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels within a tumor, supplying it with the necessary nutrients and oxygen to continue its expansion. This process involves the release of signaling molecules by tumor cells that promote the growth of blood vessels, leading to the formation of a network of abnormal and leaky blood vessels within the tumor tissue. Targeting tumor angiogenesis has been a major focus of cancer research, as inhibiting this process can potentially starve the tumor of nutrients and oxygen, leading to its regression. Research in this area continues to uncover new targets and approaches for anti-angiogenic therapies in cancer treatment.
Angiogenesis is regulated by various soluble factors and interactions between cell adhesion molecules and integrin receptors. Amerigo Scientific lists related molecules/targets, including:
| Growth factors | AGTR1, CSF1, CSF3, CXCL10, CXCL8, EGF, FGF2, FLT1, FLT1, FLT4, HBEGF, HGF, IL18, IL6, KDR, LTA, PDGFA, PDGFB, PDGFC, PDGFD, PGF, PRF1, SFRP2, TGFA, TGFB1, TGFB2, TGFB3, TNF, TNFRSF1B, VEGFA, VEGFB, VEGFC, VEGFD, VWF |
| Transcription factors | Hypoxia-inducible factor-1, NF-κB; |
| Maturation, morphogenic, and guidance molecules | Angiopoietins/Tie, Notch-Delta/Jagged, Ephrins/EphR; |
| Adhesion molecules | ALCAM, CD160, CD44, CD47, CDH1, CDH10, CEACAM1, CEACAM4, ESAM, ITGA1, ITGA11, ITGA2B, ITGA3, ITGA4, ITGA5, ITGA6, ITGA7, ITGA8, ITGA9, ITGAD, ITGAM, ITGAX, ITGB1, ITGB3, ITGB4, ITGB5, ITGB7, ITGB8, L1CAM, MFGE8, NECTIN2, SELL, SELPLG, UBE2S, VCAM1 |
| Proteinases | MMPs |
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