25. Angiogenesis Seminar

Question 1

In angiogenesis, what does hypoxia do to VEG-F and HIF-alpha/beta

Answer 1

Hypoxia increases production fo VEGF-A

This increases concentrations of HIF-1 alpha but has no effects on HIF-1 beta

Question 2

Bevacizumab and ramucirumab are two biological drugs that aim to stop angiogenesis in tumour cells. Through which molecular pathway do they do this?

Answer 2

Prevent VEGF-A binding to VEGRF2

Question 3

How does calcification of the aortic valve occur?

Answer 3

The aortic valve is normally avascular.

During ageing neurovascularisation occurs, allowing blood vessels into the valves of the aorta.

This allows infiltration of inflammatory cells causing calcification within the valve

Question 4

Why do humans have no vascularisation in the corneas

Answer 4

Due to the presence on soluble VEGFR-1 a receptor found in the cell membranes of corneas.

These receptors act as a sponge allowing for binding of VEGF but not translating this through to intracellular signalling

Question 5

How does soluble VEGF-1 relate to aortic stenosis

Answer 5

Study from lecturer- less soluble VEGF-1 in stenosed aortic valves.

? This is the trigger for aortic stenosis.