Angiogenesis
The formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature, essential for wound healing and tissue repair but also exploited by tumours to support their growth. Several research peptides are investigated for pro-angiogenic properties, while somatostatin analogue-based therapies target angiogenic tumours.
Technical Context
Angiogenesis is regulated by a balance of pro-angiogenic factors (VEGF, FGF-2, angiopoietins) and anti-angiogenic factors (endostatin, angiostatin, thrombospondin). In wound healing, hypoxia triggers HIF-1α (hypoxia-inducible factor), which upregulates VEGF expression, driving new vessel sprouting from existing vasculature. The process involves endothelial cell proliferation, migration, tube formation, and vessel maturation with pericyte recruitment. Tumour angiogenesis follows similar molecular pathways — neuroendocrine tumours are often highly vascular, which enables somatostatin receptor-targeted imaging and radionuclide therapy. Lutetium Lu-177 dotatate targets somatostatin receptor-positive NET vasculature and tumour cells.