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In Vitro Angiogenesis Assays
1Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Division of Medicine, University College London, Rayne Building, 5 University Street, London, WC1E 6JF, UK, i.evans@ucl.ac.uk.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|August 20, 2015
Summary
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) drives angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels. In vitro assays provide a rapid method to study VEGF
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biomedical Research
- Physiology
Background:
- Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is crucial in physiological and pathological processes.
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a primary mediator of angiogenesis.
- Understanding angiogenic mechanisms is vital for treating conditions like ischemic heart disease and cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail various in vitro angiogenesis assay methods.
- To provide protocols for image capture and analysis in angiogenesis studies.
- To highlight the utility of in vitro models for studying VEGF function.
Main Methods:
- Review of established in vitro angiogenesis assay techniques.
- Description of protocols for endothelial cell culture and stimulation.
- Guidance on image acquisition and quantitative analysis for angiogenesis.
Main Results:
- In vitro angiogenesis assays demonstrate endothelial cell migration and tube formation.
- These assays offer a practical approach to assess VEGF-driven angiogenesis.
- Despite limitations in physiological relevance compared to in vivo models, in vitro assays are valuable.
Conclusions:
- In vitro angiogenesis assays are essential tools for investigating VEGF signaling pathways.
- These methods facilitate the study of angiogenesis in various disease contexts.
- Standardized protocols for image analysis enhance the reliability of in vitro angiogenesis research.
