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Bioengineers create stable networks of blood vessels

Researchers developed a model system for studying neuro-vascular interactions, enabling the creation of stable vascular networks that can connect with larger blood vessel structures. The approach uses a macroporous hydrogel polymer scaffold and co-seeds it with endothelial cells and nerve progenitor cells.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2006

Manatee eyes could be window to health status

Scientists are exploring the relationship between manatee tears and blood vessel formation to better understand the animals' immune system. The study found that manatees have a thick, mucusy tear film rich in antimicrobial components, which may help protect against pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalVeterinary Ophthalmology·DateJun 21, 2005

Targeting tumor growth

Researchers discover that MT1-MMP controls blood vessel response to PDGF-ß signaling, essential for normal vessel formation. MT1-MMP-null mice exhibit severely compromised vascular architecture, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for controlling tumor growth and metastasis.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateMar 31, 2005

No blind mice, thanks to UF scientists

Researchers successfully silenced SDF-1's signal in mice with simulated retinopathy, effectively halting the growth of new blood vessels. The study could lead to a treatment option using routine injections of an antibody-blocking substance into a patient's eye.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 6, 2005

Timing is everything for optimum combined cancer therapy

A new study published in Cancer Cell reveals that combining radiation with antiangiogenic therapy can significantly slow tumor growth when administered at the right time. The research found that a unique time period exists during which this combination is most effective, making it a potential breakthrough in cancer treatment.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateDec 20, 2004

New protein 'stop sign' alters blood vessel growth

A research team at Johns Hopkins Medicine has discovered a new protein pair that stops blood vessels' growth in developing mice, shedding light on tumor development and nerve regeneration. The study, published in Science, reveals a unique mechanism of action for the protein Sema3E, which works differently from other semaphorins.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateNov 18, 2004

Protein not only aids nerve development, but promotes blood vessel growth, too

Researchers discovered that Netrin-1 stimulates cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion in endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, promoting angiogenesis. This finding has implications for treating diseases such as cancer and ischemic heart disease by either inhibiting or inducing blood vessel growth.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 1, 2004

Stroking up cellular therapy

Researchers found that administering CD34+ cells to mice with stroke damage led to increased new blood vessel growth and improved neural regeneration through the production of growth factors. The findings provide direct evidence for the importance of angiogenesis in repairing stroke damage.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 2, 2004

Imaging the healing heart

Researchers developed a non-invasive imaging method to track new blood vessel growth in the heart after a heart attack. The technique uses a radioactively labeled protein to detect changes in damaged areas over time, providing clear visualization of healing processes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 15, 2004

New insight into how tumors resist radiation

New research reveals that hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) plays a key role in tumor cells' ability to resist radiation therapy. By understanding how this protective response is activated, scientists hope to develop effective treatments to enhance radiation's effectiveness against tumors.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateMay 17, 2004

Novel findings about neovessel formation

Researchers uncover the stimulatory and inhibitory functions of tissue factor in blood vessel generation, shedding light on diabetic retinopathy and potential new treatments. Transgenic mice studies reveal altered structures in pathologically altered vessels, suggesting a possible target for angiogenesis inhibition.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 10, 2004

How much is too much VEGF?

Researchers at Stanford University found that microenvironmental VEGF concentration determines the threshold between normal and aberrant blood vessel growth. Long-term continuous delivery of VEGF maintains below this threshold promotes normal angiogenesis, guiding therapeutic strategies.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 16, 2004