title: Endoglin (CD105): a powerful therapeutic target on tumor-associated angiogenetic blood vessels.
abstract: Among surface molecules expressed on endothelial cells, endoglin (CD105) is emerging as a prime vascular target for antiangiogenetic cancer therapy. CD105 is a cell membrane glycoprotein mainly expressed on endothelial cells and overexpressed on tumor-associated vascular endothelium, which functions as an accessory component of the transforming growth factor -beta receptor complex and is involved in vascular development and remodelling. Quantification of intratumoral microvessel density by CD105 staining and of circulating soluble CD105 has been suggested to have prognostic significance in selected neoplasias. In addition, the potential usefulness of CD105 in tumor imaging and antiangiogenetic therapy has been well documented utilizing different animal models.
authors.affiliation: Cancer Bioimmunotherapy Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientific, Aviano 33081, Italy.
authors.forename: Ester
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fonsatti
authors.forename: Maresa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Altomonte
authors.forename: Maria Rita
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Nicotra
authors.forename: Pier Giorgio
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Natali
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maio
mesh_terms: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015703:Antigens, CD; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D018450:Disease Progression; D000071063:Endoglin; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D019010:Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D015703:Antigens, CD; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; C064206:ENG protein, human; D000071063:Endoglin; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D019010:Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1