Matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP - 2, MMP - 9), commonly named gelatinases, are two key extracellular enzymes involved in ECM remodeling, which is an essential step required not
only for angiogenesis, but also for metastasis [32], [33], [34].
When we injected this compound into the eye we saw no signs of toxicity by a number of different measures, and that gave us the confidence to test it in an animal model of choroidal neovascularization (CNV), which is the even more technical
term for the angiogenesis, the abnormal blood vessel growth that occurs in wet AMD.
Specifically, they were able to determine that Wars2 plays an important role in supplying sufficient endothelial cells, the building blocks of blood vessels,
for angiogenesis.
A team of scientists led by Dr. Masanobu Komatsu of Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute has identified a signaling pathway that is essential
for angiogenesis.