title: The coculture organotypic assay of angiogenesis.
abstract: Angiogenesis is a complex process involving the interactions of endothelial cells not only with pro-angiogenic factors but also with stromal cells and stromal matrix components. Modeling this process in vitro is challenging, and many different assays have been described, each with their own particular strengths and weaknesses. The coculture assay is a long-term assay of angiogenesis that uses fibroblasts to secrete and condition a stromal matrix that more closely mimics tissue than a simple collagen gel. The assay is particularly suited to screening for angiogenic regulators and also for high-resolution imaging of endothelial cells undergoing angiogenic morphogenesis.
authors.affiliation: School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, University Walk, Medical Sciences Building, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK.
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: Harry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mellor
mesh_terms: D018920:Coculture Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D020868:Gene Silencing; D061307:Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D009024:Morphogenesis; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000235:genetics; D013194:Staining and Labeling
chemical_list: D034741:RNA, Small Interfering