Molecular oncology and angiogenesis

In contrast to our increasing understanding of how vessels sprout, little is known about how vessels regulate their shape and morphogenesis. Nevertheless, these are important processes since a malshaped endothelium accompanies several pathological conditions such as cancer and ischemic diseases. Recently, we found that a specific type of endothelial cells, which we named the “phalanx” cell, participates in the normalization of the endothelial cell layer, that allows vessels to readjust their shape, not numbers, to optimize oxygen supply when the latter is insufficient (Mazzone et al, Cell, 2009). Based on these findings, we are dissecting the genetic signature and molecular basis of endothelial phalanx cells and searching for new molecular players in the morphogenetic process underlying vessel formation. Our research aims to offer novel therapeutic opportunities to improve anti-cancer therapy as well as therapeutic angiogenesis for revascularization of ischemic tissues.