Angiogenesis, cell differentiation and cell survival in tissue engineering and cancer research

Recent medical advances lead to a growing demand for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine in the future. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine aim to create substitute tissue or restore lost or impaired tissue by combining biological science with engineering techniques, whereas cancer research faces the challenge to identify and hinder aberrant and uncontrolled cell growth. These two seemingly opposing fields of research share fundamental communalities. This review focuses on the shared underlying biological processes. Exploring these mechanisms of tissue growth and homeostasis from different angles will allow for creative novel approaches for both areas of research.