structure and functions of Collagen XVIII/endostatin

The angiogenesis inhibitor endostatin is a 20 000 C terminal fragment of collagen ⅩⅧ.Endostatin inhibits endothelial cell migration in vitro and appears to be highly effective in murine in vivo studies. Endostatin is a specific and the most effective antiangiogenisis till now. The molecular mechanisms behind the inhibition of angiogenesis have not yet been elucidated.The structure and functional roles in angiogenesis of wllagen ⅩⅧ/endostatin were reviewed.