Insight on the cellular and molecular basis of blood vessel formation: A specific focus on tumor targets and therapy.

The cellular and molecular switches that govern angiogenesis are considered
therapeutic targets for several diseases like tumors and atherosclerosis. Thus,
understanding the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the formation
of the new blood vessel is essential for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
The formation of a new blood vessel (angiogenesis) is tightly regulated
by balancing pro‐ and antiangiogenic molecules. Dysregulated angiogenesis
contributes to the pathogenicity of several diseases, including tumors
associated with uncontrolled vessel growth. Experimental and clinical studies
emphasize that angiogenesis is a critical step for the transition of the tumor to
a life‐threatening malignancy. In recent years, angiogenesis has been targeted
as one of the primary therapeutic goals for treating tumors, and rapid progress
has been made by modulating its molecular regulators. Hence, the
mechanisms of how blood vessel formation occurs could provide molecular
insight into future angiogenic therapy. This review summarizes briefly the
molecular players of blood vessel formation comprising vasculogenesis and
angiogenesis and their role in tumor progression alongside antiangiogenic
therapy.