Functional characterization of Tumstatin, a novel endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor

• Applicant: Dr. Thomas M. Mundel
• Subject Area: General and Visceral Surgery
• Term: from 2005 to 2009
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5452785

Angiogenesis is the formation of new capillaries from a pre-existing capillary network. This process is most prevalent during development and growth of an organism, including humans. In adults, angiogenesis is mostly associated with wound healing, endometrial remodeling and the menstrual cycle. Pathogenic angiogenesis has been implicated in many different diseases, such as cancer, diabetic retinopathy, psoriasis, macular degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Recent sudies have reported identification of several endogenous inhibitors of angiogenesis, such as thrombospondin, angiostatin, endostatin and tumstatin. These endogenous angiogenesis inhibitors function in opposition to several pro-angiogenic factors such as VEGF, FGF, etc., and are thought to provide the regulatory balance for angiogenesis. The aim of this grant proposal is to further investigate the mechanisms behind the action of tumstatin, a novel endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Dr. Raghu Kalluri