Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Translation of Pro-Angiogenic
and Anti-Angiogenic Therapies
into Clinical Use
Sujata K. Bhatia
Abstract Angiogenesis is a central physiological process that establishes blood
supply and oxygen supply to tissues, thereby enabling the growth and maintenance
of nascent bodily structures. Angiogenic signals function throughout the lifecycle to
ensure perfusion, proliferation, and preservation of cells, tissues, and organs. During
embryonic development, angiogenesis is absolutely critical; the generation of blood
vessels is crucial to the formation of every organ. In adulthood, angiogenesis is
necessary for wound healing, as well as recovery from ischemic insults; in such
cases, it is beneficial to promote angiogenesis. However, angiogenesis is undesir-
able and pathological in the context of cancerous tumors, as well as diabetic reti-
nopathy; in these cases, it is preferable to halt angiogenesis. Thus, pro-angiogenic
and anti-angiogenic signals must operate in balance to assure physiological health.
This chapter reviews current knowledge regarding biochemical regulators of
angiogenesis, and highlights molecular targets of pro-angiogenic and anti-angio-
genic therapies. The chapter additionally discusses current progress in translating
both pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic therapeutics into clinical usage, and
identifies potential barriers to the clinical introduction of such therapeutics. Finally,
the chapter suggests future basic research and clinical research priorities for
tailoring angiogenesis to address patient needs.
S. K. Bhatia (
)
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University,
Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
e-mail: sbhatia@seas.harvard.edu
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