Basement membrane derived inhibitors of angiogenesis

Blood vessel growth during development and disease is likely governed by the balance between pro-and antiangiogenic factors. Numerous reports have focused on the important role of various growth factors during angiogenesis. Peptide fragments derived from basement membranes constitute a relatively new and expanding class of antiangiogenic factors with a potential for clinical relevance. These factors have been studied in a variety of disease models, and genetic evidence for their role in controlling angiogenesis is beginning to be realized. This chapter highlights several of these factors and their mechanism of action as we understand them to date. Gaining additional insight into the full compliment of these antiangiogenic fragments from basement membranes, how they are derived, and their full mechanism of action represents an important challenge in vascular biology today.