The formation of functional blood vessel networks - signaling, resilience, flow and therapy

Condensed Matter lunchtime seminar

The formation of functional blood vessel networks - signaling, resilience, flow and therapy

  • Event time: 4:00pm until 5:00pm
  • Event date: 13th October 2025
  • Speaker: Dr Rui Travasso (University of Coimbra)
  • Location: 2511

Event details

Angiogenesis - the growth of new blood vessels from a pre-existing vasculature - is key in both physiological processes and in several pathological scenarios such as cancer progression or diabetic retinopathy. For the new vascular networks to be functional, it is required that the growing sprouts merge either with an existing functional mature vessel or with another growing sprout. This process is called anastomosis. We present a systematic 2D and 3D computational study of vessel growth in a tissue to address the capability of angiogenic factor gradients to drive anastomosis formation. The distribution of tissue cells and the concentration of the growth factors they produce are the major factors in determining the final morphology of the network. We use the model to quantitatively characterize the consequence of anti-angiogenic drugs delivery in the context of glioblastoma. We show that sequestration of VEGF inside glioblastoma cells can be used as a novel target for improved anti-angiogenic-based therapy.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://ed-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/81211470751

Meeting ID: 812 1147 0751
Passcode: ICMCS123
 

About Condensed Matter lunchtime seminars

This is a weekly series of informal talks given primarily by members of the institute of condensed matter and complex systems, but is also open to members of other groups and external visitors. The aim of the series is to promote discussion and learning of various topics at a level suitable to the broad background of the group. Everyone is welcome to attend..

Find out more about Condensed Matter lunchtime seminars.