Bioinorganic aspects of angiogenesis.
Angiogenesis is a physiologic process characterized by the sprouting of a new blood vessel from a pre-existing one. In mammalians the angiogenesis process is dormant, except for few physiological conditions such as wound healing and ovulation. In healthy individuals angiogenesis is finely tuned by pro- and anti-angiogenic factors. The shift from this equilibrium, under pathological conditions (pathological angiogenesis) is associated with several human diseases of high social impact. An efficient angiogenesis also requires that angiogenic factors cooperate with microenvironment derived co-factors, including metals. In this Perspective we describe the bioinorganic aspects of angiogenesis which contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms and regulation of angiogenesis. In particular, the role of metals, especially copper, metalloproteinases, and the current status on the imaging of angiogenesis targeting VEGF or VEGF receptors will be discussed.
Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, via Mezzocannone 16, Napoli, Italy.
Luca Domenico
LD
D'Andrea
Alessandra
A
Romanelli
Rossella
R
Di Stasi
Carlo
C
Pedone
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001669:Biochemical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D045726:Metalloproteases / Q000378:metabolism; D008670:Metals / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D057054:Molecular Imaging; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000378:metabolism; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D014945:Wound Healing
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents; D008670:Metals; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor; D045726:Metalloproteases