Researchers of Medical College of Georgia had successfully made a protein that will stop the process of angiogenesis.
Angiogenesis is the abnormal growth of blood vessels that may lead to obstructed vision or growth of a tumor.The new protein, when applied to animals suffering from corneal injury or skin cancer called melanoma, reduced the blood vessel proliferation by up to two third of its growth. The protein is all set to stop vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) where it is produced. The new protein with its amino acid tail will stop the VEGF from leaving the site of production inside the cell, thereby minimizing its potentials.
Researchers have used an approach used in gene therapy by putting the manmade gene that makes the interceptors in a carrier called plasmid that will get the interceptors inside the cells concerned. This will not only stop blood vessels formation but also help in eliminating existing blood vessels.
Researchers are hopeful that the new protein will be able to control conditions of blinding wet form of macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and tumors, corneal injuries etc.
The research was published in the last issue of the journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science.