Neovascular endothelial cell membrane

Neovascular endothelial cell membranes refer to the plasma membranes of newly formed blood vessels, which are distinct from those of mature, quiescent vessels. These membranes are characterized by the high expression of specific markers such as integrin alpha-v beta-3, vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs), and endoglin, making them prime targets for selective therapeutic intervention (ResearchGate, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377714444_SN38_Drug_Delivery_Systems). In oncology, targeting these membranes allows for the delivery of vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) or targeted nanomedicines that can collapse the tumor's blood supply. In ophthalmology, photodynamic therapy (PDT) with agents like verteporfin specifically targets these membranes in choroidal neovascularization to treat conditions like age-related macular degeneration (NIH, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8035114/). By inducing localized oxidative stress or disrupting the endothelial cytoskeleton, these therapies lead to vessel occlusion and regression of the pathological neovasculature. Note: This entry describes a cellular structure/component rather than a single molecular target, as it encompasses multiple molecular markers and is a site for various therapeutic modalities.

Other names

Neovascular endotheliumAngiogenic endothelial cell membraneTumor neovasculature membraneChoroidal neovascular membraneCNVM

Therapeutic strategies targeting neovascular endothelial cell membranes include photodynamic therapy (PDT), which uses photosensitizers like verteporfin to generate reactive oxygen species that cause direct oxidative damage to the membrane (NIH, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8035114/); vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) like fosbretabulin that disrupt the internal cytoskeleton, leading to rapid changes in cell shape and membrane integrity; and monoclonal antibodies like bavituximab that bind to phosphatidylserine, a membrane phospholipid that becomes exposed on the outer leaflet of neovascular cells (NIH, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4603818/). Additionally, anti-angiogenic agents target membrane-bound receptors like VEGFR or their ligands to inhibit the growth and maintenance of these membranes (Frontiers, https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1414444/full).