title: Receptor tyrosine kinase-mediated angiogenesis.
abstract: The endothelial cell is the essential cell type forming the inner layer of the vasculature. Two families of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are almost completely endothelial cell specific: the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors (VEGFR1-3) and the Tie receptors (Tie1 and Tie2). Both are key players governing the generation of blood and lymphatic vessels during embryonic development. Because the growth of new blood and lymphatic vessels (or the lack thereof) is a central element in many diseases, the VEGF and the Tie receptors provide attractive therapeutic targets in various diseases. Indeed, several drugs directed to these RTK signaling pathways are already on the market, whereas many are in clinical trials. Here we review the VEGFR and Tie families, their involvement in developmental and pathological angiogenesis, and the different possibilities for targeting them to either block or enhance angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis.
authors.affiliation: Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jeltsch
authors.forename: Veli-Matti
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Leppänen
authors.forename: Pipsa
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Saharinen
authors.forename: Kari
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Alitalo
mesh_terms: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000502:physiology*; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000201:enzymology*; D008024:Ligands; D008954:Models, Biological; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology*; D042764:Receptors, TIE / Q000378:metabolism*; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D008024:Ligands; D042764:Receptors, TIE; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor