Blood Vessels Contribute To Their Own Growth And Oxygen Delivery To Tissues And Tumors

Researchers have identified a new biological process that spurs the growth of new blood vessels. Vascular networks form and expand by “sprouting,” similar to the way trees grow new branches. The process allows fresh oxygen and nutrients to be delivered to tissues, whether in a developing embryo or a cancerous tumor. Up until now, scientists thought that the molecular signals to form new sprouts came from outside the vessel. But new research has shown that signals can also come from within the blood vessel, pushing new blood vessel sprouts outward.

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