Summary
Extracellular proteolysis is an absolute requirement for new blood vessel formation,
a process known as angiogenesis. This review will examine the role of the matrix metalloproteinase
and plasminogen activator/plasmin systems during angiogenesis. Extracellular proteolysis
has also been implicated in the generation of molecules with angioregulatory activity.
These include, but are not limited to, angiostatin and endostatin. However, despite
an abundance of data on their bioactivity, the molecular mechanisms by which these
molecules achieve their effects are unknown. Anti-proteolysis, particularly in the
context of angiogenesis, has become a key target in therapeutic strategies aimed at
inhibiting tumor growth and other diseases associated with neovascularization.
Key words
Matrix - metalloproteinase - plasminogen - angiostatin - endostatin