title: Molecular mediators of angiogenesis.
abstract: Angiogenesis, or the formation of new blood vessels from the preexisting vasculature, is a key component in numerous physiologic and pathologic responses and has broad impact in many medical and surgical specialties. In this review, we discuss the key cellular steps that lead to the neovascularization of tissues and highlight the main molecular mechanisms and mediators in this process. We include discussions on proteolytic enzymes, cell-matrix interactions, and pertinent cell signaling pathways and end with a survey of the mechanisms that lead to the stabilization and maturation of neovasculatures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois, USA.
authors.forename: Areck A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Ucuzian
authors.forename: Andrew A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Gassman
authors.forename: Andrea T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: East
authors.forename: Howard P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Greisler
mesh_terms: D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000502:physiology; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000502:physiology; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases