title: Mechanisms of Vessel Pruning and Regression.
abstract: The field of angiogenesis research has primarily focused on the mechanisms of sprouting angiogenesis. Yet vascular networks formed by vessel sprouting subsequently undergo extensive vascular remodeling to form a functional and mature vasculature. This "trimming" includes distinct processes of vascular pruning, the regression of selected vascular branches. In some situations complete vascular networks may undergo physiological regression. Vessel regression is an understudied yet emerging field of research. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art of vessel pruning and regression with a focus on the cellular processes and the molecular regulators of vessel maintenance and regression.
authors.affiliation: Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Korn
authors.affiliation: Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Vascular Biology and Tumor Angiogenesis (CBTM), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. Electronic address: augustin@angiogenese.de.
authors.forename: Hellmut G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Augustin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000473:pathology*; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009024:Morphogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000473:pathology*; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology*