Role of growth factors and their receptors in proliferation of microvascular endothelial cells.
Investigations over the last decade have established the essential role of growth factors and their receptors during angiogenesis. The biological significance of VEGF, EGF, and bFGF is mediated by their receptors, which belong to the family of tyrosine kinase receptors: Flt-1 (VEGFR-1), KDR (VEGFR-2), EGFR, FGFR-1, FGFR-2, FGFR-3, and FGFR-4. Deeper understanding of the mechanism of activation of these growth factor receptors has allowed the development of a new pharmacological strategy aimed at controlling cancer cell proliferation. The results of a large body of preclinical as well as early clinical studies conducted suggest that targeting the growth factor receptors could represent a significant contribution to cancer therapy.
Suhardja
Agustinus
A
University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA. AGUSTINUSSUHARDJ@YAHOO.om
Hoffman
Howard
H
D002455:Cell Division; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000502:physiology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology*; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006801:Humans; D008833:Microcirculation; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology*; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases