International Linkages
Project 16
The use of anti –angiogenic peptides such as ang001 and their role in spinal cord injury recoveryInterest in angiogenesis research remains strong in recent years: many laboratories worldwide are actively involved in the study of several aspects of this field and the literature on angiogenesis increases exponentially. The growth of new microvessels from resting vessels is the outcome of a fine balance between molecules that are either positive or negative regulators of angiogenesis (the so called "angiogenic switch"). The explosion of clinical research in angiogenesis is a result of the realization that in many diseases characterized by persistent, unregulated angiogenesis, as cancer, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, and wound healing a common underlying pathogenetic aspect is a derangement in angiogenesis. Suppressors of angiogenesis have potential clinical applications in conditions where abnormal proliferation of blood vessels is related to the disease progression. Several laboratories report new findings about anti-angiogenesis in chronic inflammation. Investigating the vasculature targeting strategies for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases has considerable clinical implications. In this study we will explore the role of a novel anti-angiogenic protein, Ang001 in wound healing after a spinal cord injury. These studies will be carried out in collaboration with Professor Dharmarajan who isolated this novel antiangiogenic protein. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have clearly demonstrated a low does such as 250pg is able to significantly reduce wound healing and new blood vessel formation. Specifically we will:
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