Methods for detecting and inhibiting angiogenesis

A method of identifying the presence of angiogenesis in a tissue, comprising the steps of:

• a) contacting the tissue with an agent that specifically binds α5β1 integrin, and
• b) detecting specific binding of the agent to α5β1 integrin associated with a blood vessel in the tissue, thereby identifying the presence of angiogenesis in the tissue.

A method of diagnosing a pathological condition characterized by angiogenesis in a tissue in an individual, comprising the steps of:

• a) administering an agent that specifically binds α5β1 integrin to an individual suspected of having the pathological condition;
• and
• b) detecting specific binding of the agent to α5β1 integrin associated with a blood vessel in the tissue, thereby diagnosing a pathological condition characterized by angiogenesis in the individual.

A method of reducing or inhibiting angiogenesis in a tissue in an individual, comprising administering to the individual an agent that interferes with the specific binding of α5β1 integrin to a ligand expressed in the tissue, thereby reducing or inhibiting angiogenesis in the tissue in the individual.

A method of reducing the severity of a pathological condition associated with angiogenesis in an individual, comprising administering to the individual an agent that interferes with specific binding of α5β1 integrin to a ligand in a tissue associated with the pathological condition, thereby reducing or inhibiting angiogenesis in the tissue, and reducing the severity of the pathological condition.

A method of identifying an agent that reduces or inhibits angiogenesis associated with α5β1 integrin expression in a tissue, comprising the steps of:

• a) contacting a tissue exhibiting angiogenesis associated with α5β1 integrin expression with an agent;
• and
• b) detecting a reduction or inhibition of angiogenesis in the tissue, thereby identifying an agent that reduces or inhibits angiogenesis associated with α5β1 integrin expression in a tissue.