New artery of knowledge: 3D models of angiogenesis. (19th December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zucchelli, Eleonora; Majid, Qasim A; Foldes, Gabor
• Is Part Of: Vascular biology. Volume 1:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: H135
• Page End: H143
• Publication Date: 2019-12-19
• Subjects: angiogenesis -- endothelial cells -- 3D assays; Peripheral vascular diseases -- Periodicals; Cardiovascular system -- Periodicals; Blood-vessels -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 573.18
• DOI: 10.1530/VB-19-0026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2516-5658

Abstract

Abstract : Angiogenesis and vasculogenesis are complex processes by which new blood vessels are formed and expanded. They play a pivotal role not only in physiological development and growth and tissue and organ repair, but also in a range of pathological conditions, from tumour formation to chronic inflammation and atherosclerosis. Understanding the multistep cell-differentiation programmes and identifying the key molecular players of physiological angiogenesis/vasculogenesis are critical to tackle pathological mechanisms. While many questions are yet to be answered, increasingly sophisticated in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo models of angiogenesis/vasculogenesis, together with cutting-edge imaging techniques, allowed for recent major advances in the field. This review aims to summarise the three-dimensional models available to study vascular network formation and to discuss advantages and limitations of the current systems.