The role of the VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 axis in cancer progression

Abstract

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 3 (VEGFR-3) (also called VEGFR-3) is activated by its specific ligand, VEGF-C, which promotes cancer progression. The VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 axis is expressed not only by lymphatic endothelial cells but also by a variety of human tumour cells. Activation of the VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 axis in lymphatic endothelial cells can facilitate metastasis by increasing the formation of lymphatic vessels (lymphangiogenesis) within and around tumours. The VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 axis plays a critical role in leukaemic cell proliferation, survival, and resistance to chemotherapy. Moreover, activation of the VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 axis in several types of solid tumours enhances cancer cell mobility and invasion capabilities, promoting cancer cell metastasis. In this review, we discuss the novel function and molecular mechanism of the VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 axis in cancer progression.

Apigenin Induces Apoptosis and Blocks Growth of Medroxyprogesterone Acetate-Dependent BT-474 Xenograft Tumors

“…However, in this study, basal VEGF immunoreactivity was lower in tumors from apigenin-treated animals. Since VEGF has been shown to be involved in survival and proliferation of mammary tumor cells [39,40,45,46], it is possible that loss of the angiogenic growth factor leads to tumor cell loss. Furthermore, although blood vessel density was similar in tumors from all animal groups, apigenin-treatment correlated with smaller blood vessel lumen size.…”

Expression and clinical significance of microRNA-21, maspin and vascular endothelial growth factor-C in bladder cancer

“…VEGF-C is a member of the VEGF family, which regulates lymphatic system formation under physiological and pathological conditions via its specific receptor, VEGFR-3 (26). Since VEGF-C is a specific lymphangiogenic factor, its expression is upregulated in various human malignancies and is typically associated with lymphatic metastasis and poor prognosis (27,28).…”

Role of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3/Flt-4 in early-stage cervical cancer

“…It is mainly expressed in lymphatic endothelial cells, but also in neovascular endothelial cells of the liver, splenic sinusoid, trauma repair tissues and tumor tissues. Studies showed that cancer cells express VEGFR-3/Flt-4, which contributes to malignant tumor progression in various ways (1). In this study, an immunohistochemical streptavidin-peroxidase (SP) method was used to detect the expression of VEGF-C, VEGF-D and VEGFR-3/ Flt-4 in early-stage cervical cancer tissues.…”