What is angiogenesis?

Angiogenesis is the process in which new blood vessels are formed from pre-existing blood vessels, permitting the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the body’s tissues and organs. The main function of angiogenesis is to repair damage caused by cellular injury and wounds. Angiogenesis occurs throughout life, and begins in utero. This process involves the growth, migration, and differentiation of endothelial cells, which line the inside wall of blood vessels. Angiogenesis is regulated by chemical signals in the body (e.g. VEGF). Once VEGF binds to receptors on the surface of normal endothelial cells, signals within these cells become initiated, inducing growth and survival of new blood vessels. This process is known as sprouting angiogenesis, as new growths of endothelial cells are derived from blood vessels to reach areas of tissues which do not have other blood supply. Another type of angiogenesis is splitting (or nonsprouting) angiogenesis. This is the process when a capillary forms without sprouting. Instead, one blood vessel splits into two to create the new capillary. Endothelial cells move into the blood vessel’s opening (lumen) and generate pillars instead of sprouting outward. The pillars help to induce the growth of new capillary branches.