Description
Key facts
Detection method:Fluorescent,
Sample types:Cell culture extracts,
Assay type:Cell-based (qualitative),
Assay time:6h,
Assay Platform:Fluorescence microscope
Product details:
Angiogenesis assays can help determine which compounds promote or inhibit angiogenesis, and can provide insight into the role of angiogenesis in disease.
Angiogenesis assay / tube formation assay protocol summary
- Add extracellular matrix solution to empty culture plate and incubate for 1 hr at 37°C to allow the solution to form a gel
- Plate cells onto the gel and add experimental treatment
- Incubate cells for 4-18 hrs to allow tube formation
- Remove incubation medium and wash cells / gel
- Add staining dye and incubate for 30 min
- Examine tube formation using light and fluorescence microscopy (green filter)
This product is manufactured by BioVision, an Abcam company and was previously called K905 Angiogenesis (Tube Formation) Assay. K905-50 is the same size as the 50 test size of ab204726.
Angiogenesis is a physiological process that occurs during wound healing and normal development which involves the growth of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels. These blood vessels form highly branched, tree-like tubular networks that ensure efficient and simultaneous transport of gases, liquids, nutrients, signaling molecules, and circulating cells between tissues and organs. Angiogenesis is complex and highly regulated, with tight coordination of cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, matrix adhesion, and cell-to-cell signaling. Angiogenesis is regulated by several factors, most importantly growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs).
REACH authorisation
Abcam has not and does not intend to apply for the REACH Authorisation of customers' uses of products that contain European Authorisation list (Annex XIV) substances.
It is the responsibility of our customers to check the necessity of application of REACH Authorisation, and any other relevant authorisations, for their intended uses.
Properties and Storage Information:
Shipped at conditions-Blue Ice, Appropriate short-term storage conditions--20°C, Appropriate long-term storage conditions--20°C, Storage information--20°C
Supplementary Information:
This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.
Tube formation also referred to as endothelial tube formation describes a process where endothelial cells create capillary-like structures. This process occurs in vitro during angiogenic assays and serves as a vital component in angiogenesis the growth of new blood vessels from existing ones. The endothelial tube formation can be observed using various in vitro assay methods including the use of the HUVEC tube formation assay. Endothelial cells express specific proteins on their surface that mediate adhesion and growth signals essential for this process. These cells typically weigh about 120 kDa and are predominantly expressed in blood vessel-lining tissues.
Biological function summary
Endothelial cells are responsible for the formation of tubular networks that provide the structural framework for vascular systems. These cells secrete factors that enable the remodeling and stabilization of new blood vessels. The process of tube formation involves the collaboration of multiple complexes including the integrin complexes which facilitate cell adhesion and migration necessary for angiogenesis. During in vitro assays endothelial tube formation assays use unique environments created by in vitro kits that mimic the extracellular matrix promoting the cells' ability to form interconnected tube structures mimicking in vivo conditions.
Pathways
Endothelial tube formation is integral within angiogenic pathways particularly the VEGF signaling pathway. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important protein that stimulates endothelial cell function promoting their proliferation and migration. Another pivotal pathway is the Notch signaling pathway which works alongside VEGF signaling to facilitate the precise organization and maturation of the formed tubes. Proteins such as eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) play significant roles in these pathways by mediating responses fundamental for blood vessel formation and vascular tone regulation.
The dysfunctional regulation of endothelial tube formation is linked to pathological conditions like cancer and diabetic retinopathy. In cancer abnormal angiogenesis facilitates tumor growth and metastasis. VEGF overexpression creates an excessive network of immature vessels that supply the tumor with nutrients and oxygen. Conversely in diabetic retinopathy faulty tube formation contributes to the development of aberrant blood vessel structures leading to impaired vision. Both pathogenic processes are associated with altered expressions of factors like VEGF and integrins emphasizing the important role of endothelial tube formation in maintaining normal vascular function.
