Background: Angiogenesis, or neovascularization, is the process of generating new blood vessels derived as extensions from the existing vasculature. The principal cells involved are endothelial cells, which line all blood vessels and constitute virtually the entirety of capillaries. Angiogenesis involves multiple steps; to achieve new blood vessel formation, endothelial cells must first escape from their stable location by breaking through the basement membrane. Once this is achieved, endothelial cells migrate toward an angiogenic stimulus such as might be released from tumor cells or wound-associated macrophages. In addition, endothelial cells proliferate to provide the necessarynumber of cells for making a new vessel. Subsequent to this proliferation, the new outgrowth of endothelial cells needs to reorganize into a three-dimensionally tubular structure. Each of these elements, basement membrane disruption, cell migration, cell proliferation, and tube formation, can be a target for intervention, and each can be tested in vitro and in vivo. Several in vivo assay systems, including the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay, an in vivo Matrigel plug assay, and the corneal angiogenesis assay, have been developed that permit amore realistic appraisal of the angiogenic response. However, these assays are time consuming, tedious and require technical specialties. One quick assessment of angiogenesis is the measurement of the ability of endothelial cells to form three-dimensional structures (tube formation). Endothelial cells form tubes on collagen or fibrin clot coated dishes after several days. Endothelial Tube Formation Assay Kit utilizes ECM (extracellular matrix) gel prepared from Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) tumor cells. Endothelial tube formation on ECM gel closely mimics the in vivo environment and may be used to test angiogenesis inhibitors before in vivo testing. Endothelial Tube Formation Assay Kit provides a robust system to assess angiogenesis in vitro. Tube formation can be achieved within 18 hours. Following staining the tube with the provided fluorescence dye, the extent of tube formation, such as average tube length and branch point, can be quantified through imaging software. Each kit provides sufficient quantities to perform up to 50 assays in 96-well plates.

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Small volumes of Endothelial Tube Formation Assay (In Vitro Angiogenesis Assay) assay kit vial(s) may occasionally become entrapped in the seal of the product vial during shipment and storage. If necessary, briefly centrifuge the vial on a tabletop centrifuge to dislodge any liquid in the container`s cap. Certain products may require to ship with dry ice and additional dry ice fee may apply.

MBS168234 is an assay kit targeting Endothelial Tube Formation Assay (In Vitro Angiogenesis Assay).