Studying Angiogenesis Using Matrigel In Vitro and In Vivo

Methods Mol Biol. 2024:2711:105-116. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3429-5_9.

Abstract

Angiogenesis plays a critical role in physiology and pathophysiology of the human body; hence, it is important to explore the methods to study angiogenesis under in vitro and in vivo settings. Here, we describe three different methods to assess angiogenesis using Matrigel: an in vitro two- or three-dimensional (2D/3D) tube formation or angiogenesis assay using endothelial cells with growth factor supplemented Matrigel, an ex vivo sprouting angiogenesis assay embedding aortic rings in the Matrigel, and finally, Matrigel plug assays wherein Matrigels are implanted into the flanks of mice to assess the recruitment of endothelial cells to form new blood vessels in vivo.

Keywords: Aortic rings; Endothelial cells; Matrigel; Two-dimensional angiogenesis.

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Cell Movement
  • Collagen / pharmacology
  • Endothelial Cells* / metabolism
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Laminin / pharmacology
  • Mice
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / metabolism
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic* / physiology

Substances

  • matrigel
  • Collagen
  • Laminin
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors