Recent developments in the regulation of the angiogenic switch by cellular stress factors in tumors.
Angiogenesis in tumors is controlled by the so-called 'angiogenic switch' which allows the passage from low invasive and poorly vascularized tumors to highly invasive and angiogenic tumors. A number of cellular stress factors such as hypoxia, nutrient deprivation or inducers of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important stimuli of angiogenic signalling. The HIF system plays a significant role in several of these effects and the molecular mechanisms of its regulation have recently been characterized. In addition, HIF-independent mechanisms have been described which involved number of other molecules and transcription factors such as nuclear factor-(kappa)B (NF-(kappa)B) and p53. p53 is an important intracellular mediator of the stress response and is now also recognized as a modifier of the angiogenic response. p53 may interact with the HIF system but may also have direct effects on angiogenesis regulators or interfere with translation mechanisms of angiogenesis factors.
North
Sophie
S
Molecular Mechanisms of Angiogenesis Laboratory, INSERM EMI 0113, University Bordeaux I, Avenue des Facultes, 33 405 Talence, France.
Moenner
Michel
M
Bikfalvi
Andreas
A
D015687:Cell Hypoxia; D006801:Humans; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000378:metabolism; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D015398:Signal Transduction; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000235:genetics / Q000494:pharmacology*
D018977:Micronutrients; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53