Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 2, 2026

A Simple Bioassay for the Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
09:04

A Simple Bioassay for the Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

Published on: March 15, 2016

10.2K

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, from Basic Research to Clinical Applications

Kurt Ballmer-Hofer1,2

  • 1Biomolecular Research, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland. kurt.ballmer-hofer@unibas.ch.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|November 30, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Tumors require new blood vessel growth to expand beyond a small size. This process, called angiogenesis, is triggered by growth factors released when tumor cells face low oxygen conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Judah Folkman's foundational work in the 1970s established the critical role of angiogenesis in tumor growth.
  • Tumor expansion beyond a minimal size necessitates the formation of new blood vessels (de novo vascularization).

Discussion:

  • Tumor cells experiencing hypoxia (low oxygen) release specific growth factors.
  • These factors stimulate the development of new blood vessels, essential for tumor survival and progression.
  • Understanding this mechanism is key to developing anti-angiogenic cancer therapies.

Key Insights:

  • Tumor growth is angiogenesis-dependent beyond a few millimeters.
  • Hypoxia-induced growth factors are the primary triggers for tumor vascularization.
  • This discovery underpins modern cancer treatment strategies targeting tumor blood supply.

Outlook:

  • Further research into specific growth factor pathways can refine anti-angiogenic therapies.
  • Investigating the tumor microenvironment's role in regulating angiogenesis remains crucial.
  • Developing novel strategies to inhibit tumor vascularization holds significant therapeutic potential.

More Related Videos

Demonstrating a Linear Relationship Between Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Luteinizing Hormone in Kidney Cortex Extracts05:56

Demonstrating a Linear Relationship Between Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Luteinizing Hormone in Kidney Cortex Extracts

Published on: January 22, 2020

5.2K
Isolation and Identification of Vascular Endothelial Cells from Distinct Adipose Depots for Downstream Applications09:00

Isolation and Identification of Vascular Endothelial Cells from Distinct Adipose Depots for Downstream Applications

Published on: June 10, 2022

3.4K

Related Concept Videos

Role of Hematopoietic Growth Factors01:28

Role of Hematopoietic Growth Factors

Hematopoietic growth factors are molecules that regulate the differentiation rate of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Erythropoietin (EPO), primarily produced by the kidneys, plays a crucial role in erythrocyte production. When oxygen levels in the blood are low, EPO is released into the bloodstream, reaching the bone marrow, where it stimulates HSCs to differentiate and mature into erythrocytes, which are vital for oxygen transport.
Thrombopoietin (TPO), mainly released by the liver,...
3.9K
Factors Influencing Microbial Growth: pH01:29

Factors Influencing Microbial Growth: pH

Microorganisms are classified as acidophiles, neutrophiles, or alkaliphiles based on their pH growth preferences, reflecting their adaptations to specific environments. Maintaining a stable intracellular pH is critical for macromolecular stability and enzymatic activity, which can be challenged by external pH variations.Neutrophiles, such as Escherichia coli, grow optimally between pH 5.5 and 8.0. These microorganisms inhabit neutral or slightly acidic environments and employ mechanisms like...
1.3K
Factors Influencing Microbial Growth: Temperature01:27

Factors Influencing Microbial Growth: Temperature

Microorganisms display remarkable adaptations, enabling them to thrive in diverse ecological niches across a wide range of temperatures. Temperature profoundly influences microbial growth by affecting enzymatic activity, membrane fluidity, and other cellular processes.Each microorganism operates within a specific temperature range defined by three cardinal points: minimum, optimum, and maximum. Below the minimum temperature, membranes lose fluidity, halting transport processes. Above the...
1.4K
Factors Influencing Microbial Growth: Osmolarity01:28

Factors Influencing Microbial Growth: Osmolarity

Osmolarity is the measure of solute concentration in a solution. It plays a critical role in determining water availability for organisms. Water moves across semipermeable membranes through osmosis, flowing from regions of lower solute concentration (more dilute) to regions of higher solute concentration (more concentrated).In high-solute environments, microbial cells lose water, leading to dehydration and inhibited growth. The extent to which water is available to microbes in such environments...
1.0K
Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells01:19

Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells

Epidermal stem cells (EpiSCs) are mainly located at the basal layer of the epidermis. These cells repair minor injuries of the skin and replace dead skin cells. However, EpiSCs’ cannot heal severe wounds such as major burns or those from diabetes or hereditary disorders. In such cases, culturing the epidermal stem cells from the patient is possible and has yielded successful treatment options, such as laboratory-grown skin grafts. These grafts are synthesized using a patient’s own...
3.3K
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia01:11

Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia

Spinal anesthetics are given during lower abdomen and limb surgeries to block sensory and motor neurons. They are administered in the mid to low lumbar regions, primarily acting on the cauda equina's nerve roots. The blockade level depends on the local anesthetic (LA) concentration. Usually, low LA concentrations are sufficient to block sensory fibers, while only high LA concentrations block motor fibers. Other factors like injection volume and speed, the patient's posture, and the drug...
1.4K