Ang1 in breast cancer

Excerpt

Angiogenesis involves vascular remodelling, either by formation of new blood vessels or regression of superfluous vessels. In the normal adult there is relatively little angiogenesis, but it is well documented that blood vessel growth is required for tumour growth. Although vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is probably the best characterised angiogenic factor, Ang1 has been described more recently. Ang1 is a ligand for the Tie2 receptor which is located in the vasculature. Transgenic studies show that Ang1 is necessary for the development of embryonic vasculature. Overexpression of Ang1 in the skin results in increased number and branching of dermal vessels. Studies in vitro show Ang1 stabilises mature vasculature by preventing endothelial cell apoptosis. Thus, Ang1 has a physiological role as an angiogenic promoter. …