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Angiogenesis Kit Selection Guide
 | | | | | | | Cell Adhesion, Migration, and Invasion | | The adhesion, migration, and invasive properties of tumor cells, as well as endothelial and stromal cells, are an important aspect of tumor angiogensis as well as tumor metastasis. In vitro cell adhesion, cell migration, and cell invasion assays provide a means of assessing these properties in a variety of cell types, as well as a platform for screening novel inhibitors/antagonists and activators/agonists that affect these processes. | | | | Proteases and Angiogenesis | | The invasive properties of endothelial cells during angiogenesis or tumor cells during metastasis are attributed largely to the proteolytic breakdown of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases that are secreted by normal and tumor cells and are responsible for most of the turnover of ECM components during these processes. Cathepsins are a family of lysosomal proteases that contribute to intracellular proteolysis via the lysosomal pathway. Although they are normally intracellular enzymes, their dysregulation and secretion into the surrounding matrix is linked to a number of pathological conditions, such as cancer and arthritis. In vitro protease assays provide a means for assessing specific protease activity in biological samples, as well as a method for screening protease inhibitors or activators. | | | | Angiogenic Factors | | Angiogenesis is regulated by a series of growth factors and cytokines, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and angiogenin. These factors act as both autocrine and paracrine factors that promote angiogenesis. Dormant tumors secrete factors like angiostatin, endostatin, thrombospondins, and TIMPs that prevent the switch to the angiogenic phenotype. Assessing the levels of these factors can be an indicator of angiogenesis and tumor status. | | | | Related Products » Vasculogenesis and Tumor Angiogenesis Signaling Pathway | | | | |
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