Spurring Blood Vessel Growth via Signaling is Not as Simple as Hoped

This study shows that there are distinct steps and signals that control the process. First, VEGF activates Akt to induce endothelial cells to sprout. Then, R-Ras activates Akt to induce lumen formation. The second step involving Akt activation by R-Ras stabilizes the microtubule cytoskeleton in endothelial cells, creating a steady architecture that promotes lumen formation. We propose that VEGF and R-Ras activation of Akt signaling are complementary to each other, both are necessary to generate fully functional blood vessels to repair ischemic tissue. Our next step is to work toward promoting the combined signaling of Akt in clinical studies; prompting R-Ras activation through either gene therapy or pharmacologically in parallel with VEGF therapy." Link: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-11/spmd-sfk112017.php
Source: Fight Aging! - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Daily News Source Type: blogs