Assays to examine endothelial cell migration, tube formation, and gene expression profiles

Common methods for studying angiogenesis in vitro include the tube formation assay, the migration assay, and the study of the endothelial genome. The formation of capillary-like tubes in vitro on basement membrane matrix mimics many steps of the angiogenesis process in vivo and is used widely as a screening test for angiogenic or antiangiogenic factors. Other assays related to the study of angiogenesis include the cell migration assay, the study of gene expression changes during the process of angiogenesis, and the study of endothelial-derived microparticles. Protocols for these procedures will be described here.