angiogenezisének

Angiogenezis is the physiological process through which new blood vessels form from pre-existing ones. This intricate process is crucial for growth, development, and repair. During embryonic development, angiogenesis is essential for the formation of the vascular network that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus. In adults, it plays a vital role in wound healing, the menstrual cycle, and the formation of the corpus luteum. The process is tightly regulated by a balance of pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors. Key signaling molecules, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), stimulate endothelial cells, the building blocks of blood vessels, to proliferate and migrate. These cells then form new tubular structures, which mature into functional blood vessels.

Dysregulation of angiogenesis is implicated in a variety of diseases. In cancer, tumors often induce excessive angiogenesis to obtain the nutrients and oxygen required for their rapid growth and metastasis. Conversely, insufficient angiogenesis can contribute to conditions like peripheral artery disease, where poor blood supply to the limbs causes pain and tissue damage. Therapeutic strategies targeting angiogenesis are therefore a significant area of research. Anti-angiogenic drugs aim to inhibit tumor growth by cutting off their blood supply, while pro-angiogenic therapies are being explored to promote blood vessel formation in ischemic tissues. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis continues to be a key focus for developing novel treatments for a wide range of medical conditions.