Vascular Biology Section

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The Vascular Biology Section of the Cancer and Inflammation Program (CIP) seeks to elucidate the mechanisms that govern blood vessel formation and vascular homeostasis. A healthy vasculature is crucial to our survival. It delivers oxygen and nutrients to every tissue in the body, and at the same time removes waste and allows immune surveillance. Not surprisingly, vascular dysfunction is linked to diverse disorders, from cancer to heart failure. Vascular networks form to satisfy the metabolic demands of tissue growth during development. When we reach adulthood, the vascular endothelium becomes quiescent. However, under disease conditions, this delicate balance is disturbed and endothelium is reactivated. What distinguishes physiological from pathological angiogenesis in diseases is an important question. It has significant implications for therapeutic interventions. We propose that inflammation triggers pathological angiogenesis and distinguishes pathological from physiological angiogenesis. This project was completed in FY20.