Angiogenesis and the ADAMTS13-VWF balance

Abstract

In this issue of Blood, Xu et al describe a new function for the metalloprotease ADAMTS13 in blood vessel formation following brain ischemia. Using multiple approaches in mice, they show that ADAMTS13 is required for neovascularization and vascular repair following ischemic stroke. Not only was neovascularization reduced in ADAMTS13-deficient mice, but injection of recombinant ADAMTS13 in wild-type mice also improved vascularization and functional recovery 14 days after ischemia.1