Vascular Growth Factors and Angiogenesis

Currently, the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing the development and regulation of the vasculature are studied in­ tensely and the field is rapidly progressing. Recently, novel growth factors and growth factor receptors specifically acting on endothelial cells have been discovered. Through these factors, communication networks are established between endothelial cells, the basement membrane and the pericytes; this interplay is critical for the regulated development and maintenance of t