What is the Relationship Between Cysteine Cathepsins and Angiogenesis?
Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones, a process that is essential for tumor growth and metastasis. Cysteine cathepsins promote angiogenesis by degrading ECM components and releasing pro-angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Cathepsin S, for instance, has been shown to enhance the release of VEGF and facilitate endothelial cell migration, thereby promoting angiogenesis.
