Purinergic angiogenesis : an investigation of the role of extracellular nucleotide mediated signaling in angiogenesis

Angiogenesis refers to the growth and maturation of new vessels from pre-existing differentiated blood vessels. Co-ordination of angiogenic responses is crucial for a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. In particular, angiogenesis is hypothesized to facilitate tumour growth and promote metastasis, prompting research into anti-angiogenesis based cancer therapies. CD39/NTPDasel is an ectoenzyme expressed by vascular endothelium that hydrolyses extracellular nucleoside di- and triphosphates to the monophosphate derivatives. As such, this enzyme has a role in modulating endothelial responses to mucleotides that bind specific receptors termed Purinergic-type 2(P2) receptors. Since a number proliferation and migration in vitro, we propose that nucleotide signalling influences the process of angiogenesis in vivo.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Medicine

Year dc:date.issued

2006

Author dc:creator

• Jackson, Shaun William

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Robson, Simon
• Kirsch, Ralph

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/9506

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/9506