Angiogenesis is a complex process that involves multiple cellular events. In addition to receiving inputs from a range of stimulatory and inhibitory factors, endothelial cells undergoing angiogenesis make multiple interactions with the extracellular matrix and with other cell types in the stroma. Recreating angiogenesis in vitro is probably an impossible goal; however, a number of assays have been developed that recapitulate many of the key events of the process. These assays are indispensible tools for investigating the signalling pathways that control the formation of new blood vessels. In the present paper, we review the organotypic co-culture assay of angiogenesis – until recently, a comparatively underemployed assay, but one with a number of powerful advantages for angiogenesis research. We give a set of optimized protocols for its use, including protocols for siRNA (small interfering RNA)-based screens, and we discuss appropriate methods for obtaining quantitative data from the assay.
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December 2011
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Conference Article|
November 21 2011
Uses of the in vitro endothelial–fibroblast organotypic co-culture assay in angiogenesis research
Clare Hetheridge;
Clare Hetheridge
*School of Biochemistry, Medical Sciences Building, University Walk, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, U.K.
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Georgia Mavria;
Georgia Mavria
1
†Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section of Oncology and Clinical Research, St James's University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, U.K.
1Correspondence may be addressed to either of these authors (email g.mavria@leeds.ac.uk or h.mellor@bristol.ac.uk).
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Harry Mellor
Harry Mellor
1
*School of Biochemistry, Medical Sciences Building, University Walk, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, U.K.
1Correspondence may be addressed to either of these authors (email g.mavria@leeds.ac.uk or h.mellor@bristol.ac.uk).
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Publisher: Portland Press Ltd
Received:
September 08 2011
Online ISSN: 1470-8752
Print ISSN: 0300-5127
© The Authors Journal compilation © 2011 Biochemical Society
2011
Biochem Soc Trans (2011) 39 (6): 1597–1600.
Article history
Received:
September 08 2011
Citation
Clare Hetheridge, Georgia Mavria, Harry Mellor; Uses of the in vitro endothelial–fibroblast organotypic co-culture assay in angiogenesis research. Biochem Soc Trans 1 December 2011; 39 (6): 1597–1600. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/BST20110738
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