Angiogenesis & Endothelial Progenitor Cell
The initiation of angiogenesis is essential for the neoplastic process. Angiogenesis is defined as the sprouting of new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature and is a critical step for tumor growth. This process consists of distinct stages including cell migration, proliferation and differentiation into capillaries and blood vessels.
Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that bone marrow or blood vessel wall derived endothelial progenitor cells can also contribute to new vessel formation in tumor microenvironments, a process termed vasculogenesis.
Based on these fundamental principles of both angiogenesis and vasculogenesis and their respective contributions to neoangiogeneis in the tumor microenvironment, the Angiogenesis and Endothelial Progenitor Cell Core Facility has been established through the IU Simon Cancer Center to conduct validated and highly reproducible in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis assays. These assays will function as experimental platforms for understanding the basic mechanisms of angiogenesis and discovering compounds that inhibit new blood vessel formation in tumor microenvironments.