RESUMO
Angiogenin, as a member of the ribonuclease superfamily, is an angiogenic protein. The angiogenic ability of angiogenin plays an important role in many physical and pathological processes. Angiogenin can induce endothelial cell migration, proliferation, tubulation, as well as inhibition of cellular apoptosis. Angiogenin can be used to modulate the angiogenetic process of tissue engineered constructions via local delivery. Furthermore, angiogenin can also be regarded as a biomarker for diagnostic evaluation of malignancy, or as a target for cancer therapy. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the angiogenic mechanisms of angiogenin, as well as its potential application in the process of wound healing and treatment of ischemic diseases and malignancy.