Summary 

This module will provide insights into different aspects of vascular biology. It will cover the cellular processes that occur during vascular development in detail. Furthermore, the role of the most important signalling pathways involved in the regulation of vascular growth (angiogenesis), such as VEGF, Notch and TGF-beta signalling, will be introduced. The module will also include adult vascular pathology and how this relates to developmental processes. Lastly, the module will explore how insights from basic research in vascular biology can be translated into clinically useful applications.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes 

By the end of this module, you should be able to: 

Know the cellular behaviours, interactions and embryonic origins of the  key cell types contributing to microvascular development and haematopoiesis
 Know the key components, modulators and interactions of the three central signalling pathways that regulate angiogenesis.
 Understand the main approaches and techniques used to study vascular biology at a molecular, cellular and whole organism level.
 Be able to review and evaluate a current, topical research paper
Who is this module for? 

This module is open to all UCL MSc Cardiovascular Science students, UCL MSc Biology of Vision and other UCL MSc students from allied subjects.

Teaching and Learning methods

The course will comprise flipped lectures, traditional lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, assignments and self-study. Moodle will be used as an information portal for you and as a source of reading materials.

Selected Reading List 

Betz, C., Lenard, A., Belting, H.G., and Affolter, M. (2016). Cell behaviors and dynamics during angiogenesis. Development 143, 2249-2260.
Carmeliet, P., and Jain, R.K. (2011). Molecular mechanisms and clinical applications of angiogenesis. Nature 473, 298-307.
Chavez, M.N., Aedo, G., Fierro, F.A., Allende, M.L., and Egana, J.T. (2016). Zebrafish as an Emerging Model Organism to Study Angiogenesis in Development and Regeneration. Front Physiol 7, 56.
Ferrara, N., and Kerbel, R.S. (2005). Angiogenesis as a therapeutic target. Nature 438, 967-974.
Potente, M., Gerhardt, H., and Carmeliet, P. (2011). Basic and therapeutic aspects of angiogenesis. Cell 146, 873-887.
Risau, W. (1997). Mechanisms of angiogenesis. Nature 386, 671-674.
Walchli, T., Wacker, A., Frei, K., Regli, L., Schwab, M.E., Hoerstrup, S.P., Gerhardt, H., and Engelhardt, B. (2015). Wiring the Vascular Network with Neural Cues: A CNS Perspective. Neuron 87, 271-296.
Zucchelli, E., Majid, Q.A., and Foldes, G. (2019). New artery of knowledge: 3D models of angiogenesis. Vasc Biol 1, H135-H143.