The research group of Peter Carmeliet has focused since 18 years on a central theme, i.e. unraveling the molecular basis of Angiogenesis (i.e. the formation of blood vessels) and translating these genetic insights in therapeutic concepts – and, if possible, novel treatments. The group has also broadened its scope of interest to the exciting research avenue of the Neurovascular Link, illustrating that vessels and nerves have more mechanisms, signals and principles in common than anticipated, which is offering novel therapeutic opportunities both for disorders with a vascular component and for neurodegenerative diseases.
Recent studies from the research group showed that oxygen sensors have important roles in metabolism. Current studies focus on a novel line of research, namely the characterization of the role of endothelial metabolism in angiogenesis in health and disease, and the exploration of the therapeutic potential of targeting angiogenesis for blocking pathological angiogenesis or for stimulating ischemic tissue revascularization. Peter Carmeliet’s team investigates how endothelial cells reprogram their metabolism and how metabolism regulates their function in promoting or silencing tumor growth. Instead of the traditional anti-angiogenic therapies to starve tumor cells by blocking their vascular supply, the group now explores whether starving the vasculature itself of nutrients and energy by blocking their metabolic energy supply can provide novel anti-angiogenic strategies. Endothelial cell metabolism and its regulation are centrally involved in vessel growth, survival and function, and may offer novel and alternative targets to interfere with or stimulate angiogenesis.