Methods to investigate the roles of progranulin in angiogenesis using in vitro strategies and transgenic mouse models

Abstract

Endothelial cells activate the expression of progranulin during angiogenesis. Here we discuss methods to investigate progranulin activity on endothelial cells in vitro and on aortic explants. We then discuss methods to generate transgenic mice in which progranulin expression is targeted to endothelial cells. These mice can be used to study the influence of progranulin on angiogenesis during development in vivo. The transgenic strategy summarized here could be readily adapted to investigate the roles of progranulin in other cell types and tissues by use of appropriate targeting vectors to drive the expression of progranulin in the cell type of choice.