Assay Name
In Vitro Tube Formation Assay (Angiogenesis)
Assay Description
The ability of endothelial cells (cultured on matrices containing collagen or fibrin) to form capillary-like tubules is measured in this assay. In response to angiogenic substances, endothelial cells begin to align themselves by forming tubules, which can be visualized by a phase contrast inverted microscope. Fluorescence or confocal microscopy can also be used to visualize cells stained with a suitable fluorescent dye (calcein). The number of nodes, meshes, length and number of tubes are used to determine in vitro angiogenesis.
Assay Type
Angiogenesis Monitoring Assays
Assay Type Details
Local and regional metastasis is a life-threatening condition in cancer, which is hard to control with the available cancer treatment options. In metastasis, cancer cells move away from primary tumors and travel through the blood and lymphatic system and form new tumors on other parts. A vascular
network growth is important for cancer metastasis. Angiogenesis is a process that is known as the formation of new blood vessels with the help of existing blood vessels and angiogenesis has been reported to play a major role in cancer growth and metastasis. Tumors can send chemical signals to nearby normal tissues to stimulate angiogenesis. New blood vessels can feed growing tumors with nutrients and oxygen, allowing cancer cells to spread (metastasis).