Angiogenesis as a therapeutic target

Abstract

Inhibiting angiogenesis is a promising strategy for treatment of cancer and several other disorders, including age-related macular degeneration. Major progress towards a treatment has been achieved over the past few years, and the first antiangiogenic agents have been recently approved for use in several countries. Therapeutic angiogenesis (promoting new vessel growth to treat ischaemic disorders) is an exciting frontier of cardiovascular medicine, but further understanding of the mechanisms of vascular morphogenesis is needed first.

The regulatory role of microRNAs in angiogenesis‐related diseases

“…Expression levels of mRNA and protein can be regulated by the synthesis and silencing of miRNAs, thereby regulating the biological effects of cells and angiogenic factors, modulating angiogenesis and affecting the pathogenesis of angiogenesis‐related diseases (Figure 1). It is promising that miRNAs may be acted as a potential target to modulate angiogenesis for combating diseases characterized by either poor angiogenesis or abnormal vasculature 23. Thus, miRNAs may provide novel and useful biomarkers, and new alternative treatment strategies for cancer and vascular disease detection, diagnosis and prognosis.…”

Fibroblast growth factor 2 regulates endothelial cell sensitivity to sunitinib

“…Tumour angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels into tumours) is a key driver of tumour progression and has received considerable attention as a therapeutic target (Hanahan and Folkman, 1996;Kerbel and Folkman, 2002;Ferrara and Kerbel, 2005). One of the most highly studied pro-angiogenic growth factors is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), particularly the VEGF-A isoform, which is highly expressed in a variety of human tumours (Ellis and Hicklin, 2008).…”

“…Numerous inhibitors of the VEGF signalling axis have been developed, including the VEGF-neutralising antibody, bevacizumab, and VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as sunitinib (Ferrara et al, 2004;Ferrara and Kerbel, 2005;Ellis and Hicklin, 2008;Kerbel, 2008). These drugs are particularly effective in VEGF-driven tumours such as clear-cell renal cancer.…”

A Novel Enhancer of the Wound Healing Process

“…2 On the other hand, inhibition of angiogenesis is clinically used for the reduction of tumor growth. 3 There are various growth factors and cytokines that stimulate angiogenesis in wounds and tumors. In particular, members of the vascular endothelial growth factor family are potent regulators of blood vessel and lymphangiogenesis.…”

“…In particular, members of the vascular endothelial growth factor family are potent regulators of blood vessel and lymphangiogenesis. 2,3 In addition, certain members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family are also involved in the control of angiogenesis, in particular in wounds and in tumors. 4 FGFs comprise a family of 22 different members that regulate proliferation, migration, differentiation, and survival of various cell types.…”