Harnessing IGF binding protein-2 to help grow new blood vessels

Molecular and translational aspects of IGF binding protein-2 stimulated angiogenesis

Coronary heart disease and peripheral artery disease occur when blood vessels to the heart or limbs, respectively, become narrowed or blocked by a fatty build-up. Although these blockages can be reopened with a stent to widen the blocked artery, some people continue to experience symptoms after treatment due to the supply of blood not being fully restored to the effected tissue. One potential way to improve the amount of blood and oxygen reaching the tissues could be to develop techniques to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels. But previous attempts to do this have had limited success. However, Dr Stephen Wheatcroft and his team at the University of Leeds are taking a new approach, by studying a molecule called IGFBP2. It’s known to be active in some cancers – where the formation of new blood vessels helps the cancer to grow. The team will first study how this molecule affects the behaviour and growth of endothelial cells - the 'building blocks' of new blood vessels. They will then test whether IGFBP2 can help restore blood supply to the limb in mice with damaged vessels. Understanding how IGFBP2 affects blood vessel formation has the potential to pave the way for developing new treatments to help people with conditions caused by reduced blood supply.