Grant: Operating Grant

An overexcessive and uncontrolled formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) occurs in the setting of numerous diseases such tumor growth and metastasis, ocular diseases, arthritis, psoriasis and atherosclerosis. Consequently, our general hypothesis is that the blockade of pathological angiogenesis is a potential therapeutic target to treat and/or to prevent the development and the progression of chronic diseases. The induction of pathological angiogenesis requires the contribution of various proteins (growth factors). One of those growth factors is VEGF, this latter induces an acute inflammatory response, which is promoting the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). During the last years, our research group discovered how VEGF is inducing the inflammatory response. In our most recent studies, we observed that another family of growth factors (namely the Angiopoietins) which are involved in the angiogenic process are also capable to mediate the synthesis of an inflammatory mediator (platelet-activating factor) by circulating blood cells (neutrophils) and to promote biological activities related to the induction of inflammatory responses. Based on these observations, we are trying to understand how the angiopoietins are activating the neutrophils, and how they mediate their inflammatory activities. These studies might provide pivotal information on the mechanisms required not only to promote but also to abrogate angiogenesis in function of the needs. Our data could set the bases for future therapeutic strategies designed to prevent and/or to treat vascular diseases.