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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
Three-dimensional Angiogenesis Assay System using Co-culture Spheroids Formed by Endothelial Colony Forming Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Published on: September 18, 2019
Anti-angiogenic effect of siphonaxanthin from green alga, Codium fragile
Ponesakki Ganesan1, Kiminori Matsubara, Takeshi Ohkubo
1Division of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan.
Abstract:
Since anti-angiogenic therapy has becoming a promising approach in the prevention of cancer and related diseases, the present study was aimed to examine the anti-angiogenic effect of siphonaxanthin from green alga (Codium fragile) in cell culture model systems and ex vivo approaches using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and rat aortic ring, respectively. Siphonaxanthin significantly suppressed HUVEC proliferation (p<0.05) at the concentration of 2.5 μM (50% as compared with control) and above, while the effect on chemotaxis was not significant. Siphonaxanthin exhibited strong inhibitory effect on HUVEC tube formation. It suppressed the formation of tube length by 44% at the concentration of 10 μM, while no tube formation was observed at 25 μM, suggesting that it could be due to the suppression of angiogenic mediators. The ex vivo angiogenesis assay exhibited reduced microvessel outgrowth in a dose dependent manner and the reduction was significant at more than 2.5 μM. Our results imply a new insight on the novel function of siphonaxanthin in preventing angiogenesis related diseases.
Insights
Siphonaxanthin from green algae inhibits blood vessel formation. This compound shows potential for preventing angiogenesis-related diseases like cancer by suppressing endothelial cell proliferation and tube formation.
Area of Science:
- Marine Natural Products
- Angiogenesis Research
- Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Anti-angiogenic therapy is a key strategy in cancer prevention and treatment.
- Green algae are a source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential.
- Understanding novel anti-angiogenic agents is crucial for developing new therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-angiogenic effects of siphonaxanthin, a compound from the green alga Codium fragile.
- To evaluate siphonaxanthin's impact on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and ex vivo angiogenesis models.
- To explore siphonaxanthin as a potential agent for preventing angiogenesis-related diseases.
Main Methods:
- Cell culture studies using HUVECs to assess proliferation, chemotaxis, and tube formation.
- Ex vivo angiogenesis assay using rat aortic rings to evaluate microvessel outgrowth.
- Dose-response analysis of siphonaxanthin's inhibitory effects.
Main Results:
- Siphonaxanthin significantly suppressed HUVEC proliferation starting at 2.5 μM.
- A strong inhibitory effect on HUVEC tube formation was observed, with no formation at 25 μM.
- Ex vivo assays showed a dose-dependent reduction in microvessel outgrowth, significant above 2.5 μM.
- No significant effect on HUVEC chemotaxis was detected.
Conclusions:
- Siphonaxanthin exhibits significant anti-angiogenic properties by inhibiting endothelial cell proliferation and tube formation.
- The compound demonstrates potential as a novel therapeutic agent for diseases characterized by aberrant angiogenesis.
- These findings offer new insights into the functional roles of siphonaxanthin in disease prevention.
