title: Tube-Forming Assays.
abstract: Angiogenesis involves the generation of new blood vessels from the existing vasculature and is dependent on many growth factors and signaling events. In vivo angiogenesis is dynamic and complex, meaning assays are commonly utilized to explore specific targets for research into this area. Tube-forming assays offer an excellent overview of the molecular processes in angiogenesis. The Matrigel tube forming assay is a simple-to-implement but powerful tool for identifying biomolecules involved in angiogenesis. A detailed experimental protocol on the implementation of the assay is described in conjunction with an in-depth review of methods that can be applied to the analysis of the tube formation. In addition, an ImageJ plug-in is presented which allows automatic quantification of tube images reducing analysis times while removing user bias and subjectivity.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Doctoral Training in Physical Sciences of Imaging in the Biomedical Sciences and School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Ryan M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.affiliation: School of Immunity and Infection and Cancer Studies, Institute of Biomedical Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Meah
authors.affiliation: School of Immunity and Infection and Cancer Studies, Institute of Biomedical Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
authors.forename: Victoria L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Heath
authors.affiliation: School of Computer Science, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Iain B
authors.initials: IB
authors.lastname: Styles
authors.affiliation: School of Immunity and Infection and Cancer Studies, Institute of Biomedical Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK. r.bicknell@bham.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Roy
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bicknell
mesh_terms: D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D002465:Cell Movement; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D057166:High-Throughput Screening Assays; D061307:Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells; D006801:Humans; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic
keywords: Angiogenesis; Endothelial cell; ImageJ; Matrigel; Sprouting; Tube formation