Scientists Discover First Angiogenesis Switch Inside Blood Vessel Cells

Source: Schepens Eye Research Institute
Posted: May 18, 2006

Summary:

Scientists at Schepens Eye Research Institute, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, have discovered a switch inside blood vessel cells that controls angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth).

The researchers discovered that one enzyme, known as PI3K, acts on the lipid, it converts it (the lipid) into a modified form of itself, which then signals blood vessel cells to proliferate or grow, and another enzyme, known as PLCg, informs the vessels to undergo regression and disappear .Next steps for the research team include identifying the signaling events by which PXCg informs the vessels to undergo regression and the molecules that execute the regression command.

This finding could lead to new, more targeted drugs for diseases such as cancer, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.

Commentary: Hopefully this research will eventually produce targeted and effective new drug treatments for diseases.