The role of heparin mimetic peptide nanofibers in angiogenesis process

Albeit the roles of growth factors (e.g. VEGF) and their receptors in angiogenesis have been emphasized extensively, the indispensable role of glycosaminoglycans, especially heparan sulfates, has been discerning recently. These sugar polymers act as coreceptors for many growth factors, such as three key angiogenic growth factors: VEGF, FGF-2 and PDGF. Binding of heparan sulfates to growth factors enhances growth factor receptor interaction, and effect of signaling. To exploit the activatory role of heparan sulfates in induction of angiogenesis, researchers designed materials either carrying heparin or functional groups mimicking heparin. Here, we review our recent efforts in producing heparin mimetic materials for angiogenesis. Briefly, we designed novel peptide nanofiber scaffolds that can bind to growth factors similar to heparin, while inducing in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis. This material can provide a useful platform for therapy of chronic wound healing, where angiogenesis is impaired.