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Query: EC:2.7.10.1 (
ERK
)
95,504
document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) is an inducer of endothelial cell (EC) proliferation, migration, and synthesis of inflammatory agents such as platelet-activating factor (PAF). Recently, neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) has been described as a coreceptor of
KDR
which potentiates VEGF-A activity. However, the role of NRP-1 in numerous VEGF-A activities remains unclear. To assess the contribution of NRP-1 to VEGF-A mediated EC proliferation, migration, and PAF synthesis, we used porcine aortic EC (PAEC) recombinantly expressing Flt-1, NRP-1,
KDR
or
KDR
and NRP-1. Cells were stimulated with VEGF-A, which binds to Flt-1,
KDR
and NRP-1, and
VEGF-C
, which binds to
KDR
only. VEGF-A was 12.4-fold more potent than
VEGF-C
in inducing
KDR
phosphorylation in PAEC-
KDR
. VEGF-A and
VEGF-C
showed similar potency to mediate PAEC-
KDR
proliferation, migration, and PAF synthesis. On PAEC-
KDR
/NRP-1, VEGF-A was 28.6-fold more potent than
VEGF-C
in inducing
KDR
phosphorylation and PAEC-
KDR
/NRP-1 proliferation (1.3-fold), migration (1.7-fold), and PAF synthesis (4.6-fold). These results suggest that cooperative binding of VEGF-A to
KDR
and NRP-1 enhances
KDR
phosphorylation and its biological activities. Similar results were obtained with bovine aortic EC that endogenously express both
KDR
and NRP-1 receptors. In contrast, stimulation of PAEC-Flt-1 and PAEC-NRP-1 with VEGF-A or
VEGF-C
did not induce proliferation, migration, or PAF synthesis. In conclusion, the presence of NRP-1 on EC preferentially increases
KDR
activation by VEGF-A as well as
KDR
-mediated biological activities, and may elicit novel intracellular events. On the other hand, VEGF-A and
VEGF-C
have equipotent biological activities on EC in absence of NRP-1.
...
PMID:Relative effects of VEGF-A and VEGF-C on endothelial cell proliferation, migration and PAF synthesis: Role of neuropilin-1. 1196 3
Endometrial regrowth is associated with intense angiogenesis, for which vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) is an important regulator. However, the expression of other members of the VEGF family is less well documented. The aim of this study was to localize members of the VEGF family (VEGF-A, -B and -C), and their receptors (
VEGFR1
, 2 and 3) in human endometrial blood vessels. Endometrial biopsies collected from four healthy and fertile women were used for immunohistochemistry assessments. Co-localization of VEGF-family proteins with CD34 stained endothelial structures was determined by image analysis. We demonstrate here the marked expression of VEGF-A as well as
VEGFR2
and 3 in capillaries. Arterioles expressed VEGF-B,
VEGFR1
, 2, and 3 moderately and VEGF-A variably. Venules expressed only
VEGFR3
markedly. In contrast,
VEGF-C
was not expressed in the arterioles, but moderately in the capillaries and weakly in the venules. VEGF-B was expressed in all blood vessels; however, VEGF-B was weakly expressed in capillaries and arterioles and moderately expressed in venules and arterioles. Thus, expression of VEGF-A. B and C and VEGF receptors 1-3 in endometrial blood vessels indicates a highly structured involvement of VEGF in the regulation of angiogenesis in the human endometrium.
...
PMID:Expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family in human endometrial blood vessels. 1208 35
The hereditary lymphedemas provide an opportunity to identify genes involved in normal and deranged lymphatic development. Genetic analysis of families with Milroy's disease identified mutations in
VEGFR3
as a cause of congenital lymphedema, confirming the importance of
VEGFC
/
VEGFR3
signaling in lymphatic development. These observations led to the identification of a mouse model for primary lymphedema, and subsequent analysis of this mouse model, using transgenic and gene transfer techniques, has provided initial clues to the development of a biologically based therapy for primary lymphedema. Of more importance from a public health perspective is the fact that manipulation of this pathway may lead to effective therapies for the more prevalent forms of secondary lymphedema. Identification of FOXC2 as the gene mutated in the lymphedema-distichiasis syndrome has revealed new molecular insight into lymphatic development. Molecular analysis of the FOXC2 pathway may provide clues to developmental pathways shared by the lymphatic system and the other developmental abnormalities associated with this complex syndrome. With improving knowledge of the human genome, genetic analysis of families with lymphedema continues to offer one of the most promising approaches to identifying genes influencing lymphatic development.
...
PMID:Research perspectives in inherited lymphatic disease. 1254 15
Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is an uncommon tumor first reported in the pleura, but recently described in other tissues. CD34, which is expressed in hematopoietic stem cells, endothelial progenitor cells and vascular endothelial cells, is observed in most SFT and some investigators believe that its expression is a definitive marker of this tumor. In the present study, the expression of vascular endothelial cell markers, such as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-1 (flt-1), VEGFR-2 (flk-1/
KDR
), Tie-2 and c-Met, was examined in SFT to clarify the relationship between SFT and endothelial cells. By immunohistochemical staining of tumor cells from 26 patients, VEGFR-1 was detected in 24 (92%), VEGFR-2 in five (19%), Tie-2 in 14 (54%), and c-Met, a specific receptor of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in 23 patients (88%). Furthermore, VEGFR-3 (flt-4) immunoreactivity was detected in eight of 26 patients (31%). In contrast, VEGF,
VEGF-C
and HGF, which are ligands for the receptors, were not localized in the SFT cells. These findings indicate that most SFT may closely relate to vascular or lymphatic endothelial cells and the endothelial growth factors may contribute to the growth of SFT in a paracrine manner.
...
PMID:Immunohistochemical localization of endothelial cell markers in solitary fibrous tumor. 1258 46
The Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) and Neuropilin-2 (NRP2) receptors were initially described as receptors for axon guidance factors belonging to the class-3 Semaphorin sub-family. Subsequently, it was found the Neuropilins also function as receptors for some forms of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF165 binds to both NRP1 and to NRP2 but VEGF121, does not bind to either of these receptors. VEGF145 on the other hand, binds to NRP2 but not to NRP1. Additional VEGF family members such as the heparin binding form of placenta growth factor (PlGF-2) and VEGF-B bind to NRP1, and it was also shown that both PlGF-2 and
VEGF-C
bind to NRP2. The intracellular domains of the Neuropilins are short, and do not suffice for independent transduction of biological signals subsequent to Semaphorin or VEGF binding. It was shown that both Neuropilins can form complexes with receptors belonging to the Plexin family, and that such Plexin/Neuropilin complexes are able to transduce signals following the binding of class-3 Semaphorins to Neuropilins. The VEGF165 induced proliferation and migration of cells that express the VEGF tyrosine-kinase receptor
VEGFR2
is enhanced in the presence of NRP1, suggesting that Neuropilins may also form complexes with VEGF tyrosine-kinase receptors such as
VEGFR2
. However, it is not yet clear whether
VEGFR2
and NRPI form complexes and contrasting results have been reported with regard to this issue. In contrast, it was recently reported by two laboratories that Neuropilins can form complexes with the second tyrosine-kinase receptor of VEGF,
VEGFR1
. However, the biological function of these complexes is still unclear.
...
PMID:The interaction of Neuropilin-1 and Neuropilin-2 with tyrosine-kinase receptors for VEGF. 1261 45
Pancreatic endocrine neoplasms (PENs) are uncommon, generally well-differentiated neoplasms that demonstrate prominent endocrine differentiation. Although the majority of PENs remain localized, malignant spread may occur via lymphatic or hematogenous routes. Angiogenic growth factors, including the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family, have been implicated in new vessel growth and hematogenous metastases, although this has not been studied in PENs. We therefore examined 19 primary well-differentiated PENs and 7 liver metastases to determine the expression of VEGF-A and its family member
VEGF-C
by immunolabeling analysis. VEGF-A immunoreactivity was evident only in scattered cells throughout all lesions.
VEGF-C
, however, demonstrated low-to-moderate expression in primary PENs by semiquantitative histoscore analysis (factor of labeling intensity by percentage of positive cells), with significantly increased expression in liver metastases (mean histoscore indices: primary PEN, 4.7 versus liver metastases, 9.5; Student's t test; P =.002773). Microvascular density of primary PENs and liver metastases did not appear to linearly correlate with
VEGF-C
expression. Examination of the
VEGF-C
-specific receptors VEGFR-2/
KDR
/Flk-1 and VEGFR-3/Flt-4 demonstrated intense endothelial immunoreactivity for VEGFR-2, as well as VEGFR-2 and -3 expression on the majority of neoplastic cells, suggesting a possible role in autocrine/paracrine neoplastic growth regulation. We postulate that the upregulation of
VEGF-C
may be involved in PEN progression and metastases, although not via a direct proangiogenic mechanism.
...
PMID:Liver metastases arising from well-differentiated pancreatic endocrine neoplasms demonstrate increased VEGF-C expression. 1286 Oct 60
An important critical point in tumor progression is the acquisition of metastatic potential. The presence of metastases in regional lymph nodes is an indicator of poor survival. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of growth factors and receptors is involved in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Among them,
VEGF-C
and VEGF-D regulate the lymphatic vessels development and growth via their binding to their receptor
VEGFR3
. The expression of
VEGF-C
or VEGF-D is demonstrated in various human tumors and can be used as pronostic factors in some of them. With the aid of these molecules and the discovery of specific lymphatic markers, lymphatic endothelial cells can be isolated and lymphatic vessels can be identified within tumors. The role of lymphangiogenesis in promoting the metastatic spread of tumor cells has been studied in animal models.
...
PMID:[Mechanisms and role of lymphangiogenesis in cancer metastasis]. 1295
Cervical carcinogenesis has well-defined stages of disease progression including three grades of pre-invasive lesions--cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 1-3 (CIN 1-3)--and invasive cervical cancer. However, the biological properties of CIN lesions prone to develop invasive disease are not well defined. Recent observations suggest that early invasive disease spreads to regional lymph nodes in several tumour types and that growth factors (
VEGF-C
and VEGF-D) involved in new lymphatic vessel formation may play a crucial role in this process. The present study has assessed the expression of
VEGF-C
and VEGF-D, and their receptor VEGFR-3, in 152 cervical lesions (33 CIN 1, 33 CIN 2, 37 CIN 3, and 49 squamous cell carcinomas) to determine whether expression of lymphangiogenic factors occurs prior to invasion. The presence of lymphatic vessels was determined using LYVE-1 and podoplanin staining, as well as double immunostaining for LYVE-1/CD34 and podoplanin/CD34. In situ hybridization was performed to determine VEGFR-3 mRNA expression. A significant positive correlation was found between
VEGF-C
, VEGF-D, and VEGFR-3 expression through the different stages of cervical carcinogenesis. Significant differences in protein expression for
VEGF-C
, VEGF-D, and VEGFR-3 were found between CIN 1-2 and CIN 3 (p<0.001 for all), but not between CIN 3 and cervical cancer. More than 50% of the CIN 3 lesions showed moderate to strong staining for
VEGF-C
and VEGF-D, whereas most of the early pre-cancerous lesions (CIN 1 and 2) were negative. In cervical cancer, similar observations to those in CIN 3 were found. VEGFR-3 mRNA expression was found in the cytoplasm of epithelial neoplastic cells and
VEGFR3
protein expression was found in more than 50% of CIN 3 lesions and cervical cancers, compared with 15% in CIN 1 and 2. These findings suggest an autocrine growth stimulation pattern via VEGFR-3. Adjacent CIN 3 was present in nine cervical cancers and displayed strong expression for
VEGF-C
, VEGF-D, and VEGFR-3. These results suggest that in cervical carcinogenesis a switch to the lymphangiogenic phenotype may occur at the stage of CIN 3.
...
PMID:Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and VEGF-D, and their receptor VEGFR-3, during different stages of cervical carcinogenesis. 1464 57
Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, the inducible isoform of prostaglandin H synthase, has been implicated in the progression of human lung adenocarcinoma. However, the mechanism underlying COX-2's effect on tumor progression remains largely unknown. Lymphangiogenesis, the formation of new lymphatic vessels, has recently received considerable attention and become a new frontier of tumor metastasis research. Here, we study the interaction between COX-2 and the lymphangiogenic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C, in human lung cancer cells and their implication in patient outcomes. We developed an isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside-inducible COX-2 gene expression system in human lung adenocarcinoma CL1.0 cells. We found that
VEGF-C
gene expression but not VEGF-D was significantly elevated in cells overexpressing COX-2. COX-2-mediated
VEGF-C
up-regulation was commonly observed in a broad array of non-small cell lung cancer cell lines. The use of pharmacological inhibitors or activators and genetic inhibition by EP receptor-antisense oligonucleotides revealed that prostaglandin EP(1) receptor but not other prostaglandin receptors is involved in COX-2-mediated
VEGF-C
up-regulation. At the mechanistic level, we found that COX-2 expression or prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) treatment could activate the HER-2/
Neu
tyrosine kinase receptor through the EP(1) receptor-dependent pathway and that this activation was essential for
VEGF-C
induction. The transactivation of HER-2/
Neu
by PGE(2) was inhibited by way of blocking the Src kinase signaling using the specific Src family inhibitor, PP1, or transfection with the mutant dominant negative src plasmid. Src kinase was involved in not only the HER-2/
Neu
transactivation but also the following
VEGF-C
up-regulation by PGE(2) treatment. In addition, immunohistochemical staining of 59 lung adenocarcinoma specimens showed that COX-2 level was highly correlated with
VEGF-C
, lymphatic vessels density, and other clinicopathological parameters. Taken together, our results provided evidence that COX-2 up-regulated
VEGF-C
and promotes lymphangiogenesis in human lung adenocarcinoma via the EP(1)/Src/HER-2/
Neu
signaling pathway.
...
PMID:Cyclooxygenase-2 induces EP1- and HER-2/Neu-dependent vascular endothelial growth factor-C up-regulation: a novel mechanism of lymphangiogenesis in lung adenocarcinoma. 1474 69
Among the known angiogenic growth factors and cytokines implicated in the modulation of normal and pathological angiogenesis, the VEGF family (VEGF-A, VEGF-B,
VEGF-C
, VEGF-D) and their corresponding receptor tyrosine kinases [VEGFR-1 (Flt-1), VEGFR-2 (Flk-1,
KDR
), and VEGFR-3 (Flt-4)] play a paramount and indispensable role in regulating the multiple facets of the angiogenic and lymphangiogenic processes, as well as the induction of vascular permeability and inflammation. The receptor VEGFR-2/
KDR
is the principal one through which VEGFs exert their mitogenic, chemotactic, and vascular permeabilizing effects on the host vasculature. Increased expression of VEGFs by tumor cells and VEGFR-2/
KDR
and VEGFR-1/Flt-1 by the tumor-associated vasculature are a hallmark of a variety of human and rodent tumors in vivo and correlates with tumor growth rate, micro-vessel density/proliferation, tumor metastatic potential, and poorer patient prognosis in a variety of malignancies. Approaches to disrupting the VEGF/VEGFR signaling cascade range from biological agents (soluble receptors, anti-VEGF and anti-VEGFR-2 antibodies, and VEGF transcription inhibitors) to small molecule ATP competitive VEGFR inhibitors. Examples from this latter class that are currently in clinical development include compounds from distinct chemical classes such as: indolin-2-ones, anilinoquinazolines, anilinophthalazines, isothiazoles, indolo- and indenocarbazoles. The structure activity relationships, biochemical and pharmacological profile of optimized representatives from each of these classes constitute the subject matter of this review.
...
PMID:Development of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) kinase inhibitors as anti-angiogenic agents in cancer therapy. 1503 27
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