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Updated: Apr 27, 2026

A Matrigel-Based Tube Formation Assay to Assess the Vasculogenic Activity of Tumor Cells

A Matrigel-Based Tube Formation Assay to Assess the Vasculogenic Activity of Tumor Cells

Published on: September 7, 2011

The sponge/Matrigel angiogenesis assay.

Nasim Akhtar¹, Erin B Dickerson, Robert Auerbach

¹Laboratory of Developmental Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA.

|January 29, 2003

Summary

This study introduces a modified Matrigel plug assay for precise in vivo angiogenesis visualization. The enhanced method offers directional information and image analysis, improving upon traditional histological assessments for studying blood vessel formation.

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Area of Science:

Biomedical research
Vascular biology
Cancer research

Background:

In vivo assays are crucial for definitive angiogenesis testing.
The Matrigel plug assay is a common in vivo method for studying angiogenesis.
Current assessment methods include hemoglobin measurement or histological scoring.

Purpose of the Study:

To present a modified Matrigel plug assay for improved in vivo angiogenesis visualization.
To offer a method with directional information and suitability for image analysis.
To overcome limitations of traditional histological analysis.

Main Methods:

A modified Matrigel plug assay was developed.
The assay involves injecting Matrigel with test compounds (e.g., tumors, growth factors, inhibitors) subcutaneously.

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Author Spotlight: Investigating Angiogenesis and Vessel Permeability Through a Modified Matrix Gel Plug Assay

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Angiogenic responses were visualized and analyzed without histological examination.

Main Results:

The modified assay provides precise visualization and directional information on angiogenesis.
Dose- and time-dependent responses to tumors, bFGF, VEGF, and endostatin were demonstrated.
The method successfully assessed blood vessel recruitment in chick aortic arches and detected strain-dependent differences in angiogenic susceptibility.

Conclusions:

The modified Matrigel plug assay offers a superior, non-histological method for in vivo angiogenesis studies.
This technique facilitates detailed photographic documentation and image analysis of vascularization.
It is versatile for evaluating angiogenic factors, anti-angiogenic agents, and host responses.