Deciphering the Interplay Between Notch and Growth Factor Signaling Morphogenesis Signaling in the Complex Regulation of Vascular Morphogenesis

Angiogenesis is a multi-step, complex process regulated by growth factors, enzymes, and extracellular matrix molecules. In vivo, the angiogenic process involves multiple cell types acting in concert to cause endothelial cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, and, ultimately, micro-vascular arrays. Angiogenesis inhibitors are demonstrably effective in both preclinical models and clinical use, but their value can be transitory due to evasive and intrinsic resistance. The discovery of new classes of anti-angiogenic drugs has proven difficult, as very few in vitro systems adequately model the entire process. This poster investigates the relationship between two major regulatory pathways, Notch and VEGF, using a kinetic co-culture model of angiogenesis with a compact fluorescent imaging instrument