The Extracellular Matrix in the Age-Related Impairment of Angiogenesis

The density of capillary networks declines with aging, the result of a progressive impairment of the complex process of angiogenesis responsible for growing new vessels. This loss of the smallest components of the circulatory system is likely important in the progression of aging, in that it affects blood pressure and deprives energy-hungry tissues such as muscle and brain of the oxygen and nutrients needed for correct function. Researchers here view this aspect of vascular aging through the lens of the extracellular matrix, a tissue feature that also changes with age in ways known to be detrimental. Are these changes an important contributing cause of impaired angiogenesis? For any manifestation of aging, it is a challenge to determine which of the potential contributing causes are more or less important, given the inability to intervene in a very selective, pinpoint way. It is most likely faster and better to try to fix every potential issue, finding out along the way that some are not in fact all that important, than to first try to understand which processes should be targeted. Angiogenesis is the process by which new capillaries form by sprouting from pre-existing ones. Each step in angiogenesis is regulated by the extracellular matrix (ECM). This process involves the migration, proliferation, and differentiation of endothelial cells (ECs) and pericytes and results in elongation of the initial tip, followed by anastomosis with other blood vessels to form ...
Source: Fight Aging! - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Daily News Source Type: blogs