Cerebral arteriovenous malformations. Part 1: cellular and molecular biology.
OBJECTIVE
The scientific understanding of the nature of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the brain is evolving. It is clear from current work that AVMs can undergo a variety of phenomena, including growth, remodeling, and/or regression-and the responsible processes are both molecular and physiological. A review of these complex processes is critical to directing future therapeutic approaches. The authors performed a comprehensive review of the literature to evaluate current information regarding the genetics, pathophysiology, and behavior of AVMs.


METHODS
A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed to reveal the molecular biology of AVMs as it relates to their complex growth and behavior patterns.


RESULTS
Growth factors involved in AVMs include vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, transforming growth factor beta, angiopoietins, fibronectin, laminin, integrin, and matrix metalloproteinases. Conclusions Understanding the complicated molecular milieu of developing AVMs is essential for defining their natural history. Growth factors, extracellular matrix proteins, and other molecular markers will be the key to unlocking novel targeted drug treatments for these brain malformations.
Moftakhar
Parham
P
Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA.
Hauptman
Jason S
JS
Malkasian
Dennis
D
Martin
Neil A
NA
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D042501:Angiogenic Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D002536:Cerebral Arteries / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D002550:Cerebral Veins / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D002538:Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000235:genetics*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000235:genetics
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents; D042501:Angiogenic Proteins; D015415:Biomarkers; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins