title: The effects of PEDF on cancer biology: mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential.
abstract: The potent actions of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) on tumour-associated cells, and its extracellular localization and secretion, stimulated research on this multifunctional serpin. Such studies have identified several PEDF receptors and downstream signalling pathways. Known cellular PEDF responses have expanded from the initial discovery that PEDF induces retinoblastoma cell differentiation to its anti-angiogenic, antitumorigenic and antimetastatic properties. Although the diversity of PEDF activities seems to be complex, they are consistent with the varied mechanisms that regulate this multimodal factor. If PEDF is to be used for cancer management, a deeper appreciation of its many functions and mechanisms of action is needed.
authors.affiliation: National Eye Institute, US National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. becerrap@nei.nih.gov
authors.forename: S Patricia
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Becerra
authors.forename: Vicente
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Notario
mesh_terms: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D005136:Eye Proteins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011480:Protease Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015843:Serpins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000099174:Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D005136:Eye Proteins; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D011480:Protease Inhibitors; D015843:Serpins; D000099174:Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor