Regulation of VEGF/VPF expression in tumor cells: consequences for tumor growth and metastasis.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), also known as vascular permeability factor (VPF) is a multifunctional cytokine which potently stimulates angiogenesis in vivo. VEGF/VPF expression is elevated in pathological conditions including cancer, proliferative retinopathy, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. The angiogenesis associated with human tumors is likely a central component in promoting tumor growth and metastatic potential. The regulation of VEGF/VPF expression during tumor progression may involve diverse mechanisms including activated oncogenes, mutant or deleted tumor suppressor genes, cytokine activation, hormonal modulators, and a particularly effective activator, hypoxia. Understanding the diverse mechanisms by which tumor cells overexpress VEGF/VPF, and which mechanisms are operating in specific tumor types is important for the design of effective anti-cancer therapies.
Claffey
K P
KP
Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
Robinson
G S
GS
D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division / Q000502:physiology; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology*; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D008222:Lymphokines; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors