SCREENING METHOD WITH THE USE OF MOUSE SUFFERING FROM NEUROPILIN 1 GENE FUNCTION DISRUPTION

摘要

A method of screening a vascular formation or angiogenesis promoter or inhibitor with the use of a mouse suffering from neuropilin 1 (Nrp-1) gene function disruption; the vascular formation or angiogenesis promoter or inhibitor obtained by the above screening method; medicinal compositions containing the same as the active ingredient; and a method of diagnosing diseases at the early stage caused by the excessive promotion or excessive regulation of vascular formation or angiogenesis concerning Nrp-1 gene. A test substance is administered to the mouse suffering from the Nrp-1 gene function disruption. Then the formation levels of the vascular system (vessel, branchial arch artery, dorsal aorta, embryo outer membrane vessel, etc.) invading into the nervous tissues at the embryo development stage of the mouse are evaluated. Alternatively, vascular endothelial cells obtained from the mouse suffering from the Nrp-1 gene function disruption are brought into contact with a test substance in vitro, and then the extents of changes in the proliferation response of the cells to VEGF or chemotaxis are evaluated, thereby screening a vascular formation or angiogenesis promoter or inhibitor.