Angiogenesis

Angiogenesis is the process of developing new blood vessels. It is critically important during wound healing and the normal development of the embryo and fetus. It also plays an important role in cancer development, since cancer cells depend on the formation of new blood vessels. This process is enhanced by the release of more than dozen proteins and other small molecules by the tumor and host cells near the tumor. Angiogenesis also plays an important role in other diseases such as cardiovascular disease, stroke and many others.