Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Modified In Vivo Matrix Gel Plug Assay for Angiogenesis Studies
Published on: June 30, 2023
Visfatin promotes angiogenesis by activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2
Su-Ryun Kim1, Soo-Kyung Bae, Kyu-Sil Choi
1School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Pusan 602-739, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Adipose tissue is highly vascularized and requires the angiogenic properties for its mass growth. Visfatin has been recently characterized as a novel adipokine, which is preferentially produced by adipose tissue. In this study, we report that visfatin potently stimulates in vivo neovascularization in chick chorioallantoic membrane and mouse Matrigel plug. We also demonstrate that visfatin activates migration, invasion, and tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Moreover, visfatin evokes activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in endothelial cells, which is closely linked to angiogenesis. Inhibition of ERK activation markedly decreases visfatin-induced tube formation of HUVECs and visfatin-stimulated endothelial cell sprouting from rat aortic rings. Taken together, these results demonstrate that visfatin promotes angiogenesis via activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase ERK-dependent pathway and suggest that visfatin may play important roles in various pathophysiological angiogenesis including adipose tissue angiogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Mechanism of Angiogenesis
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...
MAPK Signaling Cascades
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...

