In vitro Assays for Endothelial Cell Functions Related to Angiogenesis: Proliferation, Motility, Tubular Differentiation and Proteolysis

This chapter covers the breakdown of the process of angiogenesis into simple assays to measure discrete endothelial cell functions. The techniques described are suitable for studying stimulators or inhibitors of angiogenesis and determining which aspect of the process is modulated. The procedures outlined are robust and straightforward but cannot cover the complexity of the angiogenic process as a whole, incorporating as it does myriad positive and negative signals, three-dimensional interactions with host tissues and many accessory cells, including fibroblasts, macrophages, pericytes, and platelets. The extent to which in vitro assays predict responses in vivo (e.g., wound healing, tumour angiogenesis, or surrogate techniques such as Matrigel plugs, sponge implants, corneal assays, etc.) remains to be determined.