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Translational Research in Angiogenesis—a Key Tool for Developing Therapeutic Strategies Towards Tissue Regeneration

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2025 | Viewed by 740

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Experimental Plastic Surgery, Clinic for Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, D-81675 Munich, Germany
Interests: angiogenesis; wound healing; hypoxia; growth factors; autologous therapy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

I am delighted to announce a new Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, entitled “Translational Research in Angiogenesis—a Key Tool for Developing Therapeutic Strategies Towards Tissue Regeneration”.

Physiological tissue regeneration requires an optimal angiogenic response, which dictates cellular function within the wound bed. The induction of new blood vessel formation is a key pre-requisite for tissue repair, since it permits cell migration, proliferation and differentiation. While our understanding of the various biological processes that support wound angiogenesis has significantly improved in the past decades, there are still significant gaps in our knowledge of the detailed mechanisms that mediate the effects of tissue oxygen tension / hypoxia regulation and pro-/anti-angiogenic growth factor production on cellular function. As a result, there is currently a scarcity of effective therapeutic approaches towards the healing of chronic wounds, as well as the treatment of tissue damage occurring as a result of microvascular pathology.

The scope of this issue will include research on the pathophysiological mechanisms (biochemical, molecular, cellular and physical processes) through which regulation of cellular responses mediates angiogenesis-driven tissue regeneration and wound repair. We are particularly interested in papers that will increase our knowledge and understanding of angiogenic ‘switches’ within the wound healing cascade, that can be turned on on-demand, and can as such inform the design of clinically applicable therapeutic approaches, including cellular and molecular therapies. Original reports, case reports and reviews will be considered.

Dr. Ektoras Hadjipanayi
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • angiogenesis
  • wound bed
  • stromal microenvironment
  • stem cells
  • tissue repair
  • hypoxia
  • growth factors
  • molecular signaling

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

23 pages, 954 KiB  
Review
The Role of Cobalt Ions in Angiogenesis—A Review
by Wiktor Gregorowicz and Lukasz Pajchel
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7236; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157236 - 26 Jul 2025
Viewed by 281
Abstract
Cobalt is an essential trace element involved in key biological processes. It serves most notably as a component of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) and a regulator of erythropoiesis. While cobalt deficiency can lead to disorders such as megaloblastic anemia, excess cobalt poses toxicological [...] Read more.
Cobalt is an essential trace element involved in key biological processes. It serves most notably as a component of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) and a regulator of erythropoiesis. While cobalt deficiency can lead to disorders such as megaloblastic anemia, excess cobalt poses toxicological risks to the thyroid, cardiovascular, and hematopoietic systems. In recent years, cobalt ions (Co2+) have gained attention for their ability to mimic hypoxia and promote angiogenesis. This represents a crucial mechanism for tissue regeneration. Cobalt mediates this effect mainly by stabilizing hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) under normoxic conditions, thereby upregulating angiogenic genes, including VEGF, FGF, and EPO. Experimental studies—from cell culture to animal models—have demonstrated cobalt-induced enhancement of endothelial proliferation, migration, and microvascular formation. Emerging evidence also indicates that Co2+-stimulated macrophages secrete integrin-β1-rich exosomes. These exosomes enhance endothelial motility and tubulogenesis independently of VEGF. Furthermore, cobalt-modified biomaterials have been developed to deliver cobalt ions in a controlled manner. Examples include cobalt-doped β-tricalcium phosphate or bioactive glasses. These materials support both angiogenesis and osteogenesis.This review summarizes current findings on cobalt’s role in angiogenesis. The emphasis is on its potential in cobalt-based biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Full article
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