[Angiogenesis is induced by growth factors. The molecular mechanisms are not yet known]

Angiogenesis, the formation of new vessels from the vessel bed, is crucially involved in physiological and pathological processes. Angiogenesis may be regarded as a series of cellular events--e g, basement membrane degradation, and the migration, proliferation and differentiation of endothelial cells. Several different growth factors trigger one or more of these events both in vivo and in vitro, though the underlying mechanisms are still largely unknown. Elucidation of the function of growth factor receptors in angiogenesis, and their propagation of intracellular signals eventually resulting in angiogenesis is an important task for research. In all likelihood, such studies will give rise to clinically useful tools for the regulation of angiogenesis, which might be of importance in such disease as diabetes and cancer.