Difference between Angiogenesis and Vasculogenesis


The formation of new blood vessels from already existing ones is known as angiogenesis. The process through which angioblasts and endothelial cells join together to generate new blood vessels is known as vasculogenesis.

What is Angiogenesis?

In the process of angiogenesis, preexisting blood vessels give rise to brand-new blood supply pathways.

Reasons − When tissues are injured, angiogenesis can occur to generate a new blood supply from preexisting blood vessels. Whenever a tumor form is another time angiogenesis can take place. Cancer can progress to a malignant stage when tumors employ growth agents and establish a blood supply.

Process − Tumors rely on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to sprout new blood vessels. Tissues that have been damaged and are receiving inadequate oxygen release the VEFG. However, in the case of malignancies, VEGF is generated, and angiogenesis is stimulated even in the absence of tissue injury. Both intussusceptive and sprouting angiogenesis are possible types of this procedure. Angiogenesis, characterized by several offshoots from the original channel, is said to be intussusceptive. The process by which cells develop in the direction of a stimulus like VEFG is known as sprouting angiogenesis. Angiogenesis can also be influenced by other growth factors, such as fibroblast growth factors.

What is Vasculogenesis?

This process, known as vasculogenesis, involves the growth and differentiation of cells termed angioblasts into endothelial cells, which will afterward become blood arteries.

Reasons − Reasons for vasculogenesis include the formation of blood arteries during embryonic development in organs like the heart and brain.

Process − During embryonic development, mesoderm stem cells give rise to specialized cells called angioblasts, which are responsible for vascular formation. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) is the signaling molecule that sets off this chain of events, which leads to tissue growth and healing. During the gastrula phase of embryonic development, vascular endothelial growth factor and the receptor tyrosine kinase flk-1 both contribute to the formation of blood vessels.

Differences: Angiogenesis and Vasculogenesis

The following table highlights the major differences between Angiogenesis and Vasculogenesis −

Characteristics

Angiogenesis

Vasculogenesis

Definition

Angiogenesis is the process through which new blood vessels are formed from preexisting ones.

Endothelial cells differentiate from angioblasts to become blood vessels during vasculogenesis.

Where it occurs

Angiogenesis is a process that happens in some types of tumors and in reaction to injured tissues as a means of tissue healing.

Vasculogenesis occurs throughout embryonic development and in adults with heart and brain damage.

Process

As a result of VEGF, angiogenesis can either sprout or become intussusceptive.

During vasculogenesis, mesodermal stem cells differentiate into angioblasts, which eventually become blood vessel endothelial cells.

Relationship to illnesses

Angiogenesis in the lungs of critically sick Covid-19 patients is triggered by hypoxia. The existence of glioma is another potential cause (brain tumor).

Brain trauma, particularly the presence of a glioma, can stimulate new blood vessel growth (vasculogenesis).

Conclusion

Angiogenesis helps heal damaged tissue and is used by cancer cells to metastasize from the primary tumor location. Vasculogenesis, on the other hand, helps form blood vessels during embryonic development and also aids in the healing of damaged neural and cardiovascular tissue.

Updated on: 01-Mar-2023

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