Peptide-based molecules in angiogenesis.
Angiogenesis refers to the process of remodeling the vascular tissue characterized by the branching out of a new blood vessel from a pre-existing vessel. Angiogenesis is particularly active during embryogenesis, while during adult life it is quiescent and limited to particular physiologic phenomena. Recently, the study of molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis has stirred renewed interest due to the recognition of the role played by angiogenesis in several pathologies of significant medical impact, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, and due to the pharmacologic interest rising from the possibility of modulating these phenomena. Antibodies, peptides and small molecules targeting active endothelial cells represent an innovative tool in therapeutic and diagnostic fields. In this study, we reviewed the literature of peptide and peptidomimetics in angiogenesis and their potential applications. Two specific protein systems, namely the vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor and integrins, will be discussed in detail.
Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, CNR and Department of Biological Sciences, CIRPEB, University of Napoli Federico II, via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
Luca Domenico
LD
D'Andrea
Annarita
A
Del Gatto
Carlo
C
Pedone
Ettore
E
Benedetti
D000818:Animals; D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans; D016023:Integrins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*
D016023:Integrins; C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor