Cytokines are soluble signalling proteins that play important roles in angiogenesis, influencing endothelial cell activation and migration, vessel remodelling and vessel stabilization. Cytokines function as both pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors, contributing to the balance that governs blood vessel growth and maintenance. Pro-angiogenic cytokines stimulate and promote the formation of new blood vessels. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is the predominant pro-angiogenic cytokine. It is produced by various cell types, including endothelial cells themselves, and acts on nearby endothelial cells to induce proliferation, migration, and the formation of new vessel sprouts. Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF or FGF-2) is another potent pro-angiogenic cytokine that stimulates endothelial cell division and angiogenesis, particularly during tissue repair and development. Tumour Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a cytokine that can have either pro- or anti-angiogenic effects. It promotes inflammation and triggers the production of other pro-angiogenic factors, or can suppress angiogenesis through activation of immune responses. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) acts as a chemokine chemoattractant for endothelial cells, promoting their migration towards sites of tissue injury and inflammation, a critical process in angiogenesis. Angiopoietins (Ang-1 and Ang-2) are cytokines that play a critical role in stabilizing and maturing blood vessels. Ang-1 promotes vessel maturation by interacting with the Tie-2 receptor on endothelial cells. This binding induces receptor dimerization, autophosphorylation and activation of downstream signalling pathways. These pathways promote the recruitment of pericytes and smooth muscle cells which wrap around endothelial tubes, providing structural support and stability to the vessel walls. A key signalling pathway activated by Tie-2/Ang-1 is the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt pathway which promotes survival, migration, and adhesion of pericytes and smooth muscle cells to endothelial cells. Recruited pericytes can release factors such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) that further enhance vessel stabilization with TGF-β for example helping in the deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, and PDGF contributing to the recruitment of more pericytes and smooth muscle cells. Ang-2, on the other hand, can destabilize blood vessels and is involved in the dynamic remodelling of vessels during angiogenesis. Like Ang-1, Ang-2 also binds to the Tie-2 receptor on endothelial cells. However, its effects on blood vessels are highly context-dependent, with Ang-2 exerting both pro- and anti-angiogenic effects depending on the context and the presence of other factors. In tumour microenvironments, Ang-2 expression is often upregulated, and high Ang-2 levels can contribute to the disorganized and abnormal vasculature found in some tumours. Anti-angiogenic cytokines inhibit or regulate angiogenesis to prevent uncontrolled vessel growth. Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β), in addition to exerting pro-angiogenic effects, can exert anti-angiogenic effects by suppressing endothelial cell proliferation and migration. Interferons (IFN-α and IFN-β) also exhibit anti-angiogenic properties by interfering with pro-angiogenic factor production and signalling pathways. Finally, Angiostatin and Endostatin are anti-angiogenic proteins that are cleaved from larger molecules. Angiostatin is a fragment of plasminogen that inhibits endothelial cell migration and proliferation. Endostatin is derived from collagen XVIII and functions by interfering with endothelial cell adhesion and survival. Both molecules play significant roles in limiting excessive angiogenesis. We offer a comprehensive product range of research tools for investigating cytokines, including MCSF Receptor antibodies, IL33 antibodies, IL17F antibodies, IL33 ELISA Kits, and IL17F ELISA Kits. Explore our full cytokines product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our Interleukin product range.