Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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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)

Although the endothelial cell is the most abundant cell type in the differentiated lung, little is known about regulation of lung developmental vasculogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an endothelial cell mitogen and angiogenic factor that has putative roles in vascular development. Mitogenic actions of VEGF are mediated by the tyrosine kinase receptor KDR/murine homologue fetal liver kinase Flk-1. HLF (hypoxia-inducible factor-like factor) is a transcription factor that increases VEGF gene transcription. Dexamethasone augments lung maturation in fetal and postnatal animals. However, in vitro studies suggest that dexamethasone blocks induction of VEGF. The objectives for the current study were to measure VEGF mRNA and Flk-1 mRNA in developing mouse lung and to measure the effects of dexamethasone treatment in vivo on VEGF and Flk-1 in newborn mouse lung. Our results show that VEGF and Flk-1 messages increase in parallel during normal lung development (d 13 embryonic to adult) and that the distal epithelium expresses VEGF mRNA at all ages examined. Dexamethasone (0.1-5.0 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) treatment of 6-d-old mice resulted in significantly increased VEGF, HLF, and Flk-1 mRNA. Dexamethasone did not affect cell-specific expression of VEGF, VEGF protein, or proportions of VEGF mRNA splice variants. These data suggest that the developing alveolar epithelium has an important role in regulating alveolar capillary development. In addition, unlike effects on cultured cells, dexamethasone, even in relatively high doses, did not adversely affect VEGF expression in vivo. The relatively high levels of VEGF and Flk-1 mRNA in adult lung imply a role for pulmonary VEGF in endothelial cell maintenance or capillary permeability.
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PMID:Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and Flk-1 in developing and glucocorticoid-treated mouse lung. 1081 85

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a principal regulator of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. VEGF expresses its effects by binding to two VEGF receptors, Flt-1 and KDR. However, properties of Flt-1 and KDR in the signal transduction of VEGF-mediated effects in endothelial cells (ECs) were not entirely clarified. We investigated this issue by using two newly developed blocking monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against Flt-1 and KDR. VEGF elicits DNA synthesis and cell migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The pattern of inhibition of these effects by two mAbs indicates that DNA synthesis is preferentially mediated by KDR. In contrast, the regulation of cell migration by VEGF appears to be more complicated. Flt-1 regulates cell migration through modulating actin reorganization, which is essential for cell motility. A distinct signal is generated by KDR, which influences cell migration by regulating cell adhesion via the assembly of vinculin in focal adhesion plaque and tyrosine-phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin.
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PMID:Roles of two VEGF receptors, Flt-1 and KDR, in the signal transduction of VEGF effects in human vascular endothelial cells. 1081 5

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) acts primarily as an endothelial cell mitogen via the "endothelial cell-specific" receptors VEGFR-1 (flt-1) and VEGFR-2 (flk-1/KDR). Only a few nonendothelial cells have been shown to possess functional VEGF receptors. We therefore examined the rat renal tubular epithelial cell line NRK52-E. NRK52-E expressed VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 mRNA and protein by RT-PCR, Northern blotting, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and ligand binding. Serum-starved NRK52-E incubated with VEGF showed a significant increase in [(3)H]thymidine incorporation compared with control (2.3-fold at 1-10 ng/ml, P < 0. 05; 3.3-fold at 50-100 ng/ml, P < 0.01). VEGF also protected NRK52-E from hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis and necrosis compared with control (annexin-V-FITC-positive cells, 39 vs. 54%; viable cells, 50. 5 vs. 39.7%). Immunohistochemical staining using a variety of antibodies showed expression of both VEGF receptors in normal rat renal tubules in vivo. Because VEGF induced a proliferative and an antiapoptotic response in renal tubular epithelial cells, these data suggest that VEGF may act as a survival factor for renal tubular epithelium in vivo.
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PMID:Vascular endothelial growth factor is a survival factor for renal tubular epithelial cells. 1083 78

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important angiogenic factor, linked to poor outcome in human malignancies including non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). We used the 11B5 monoclonal antibody recognizing the VEGF/KDR complex (R. A. Brekken et al., Cancer Res., 58: 1952-1959, 1998) to assess the VEGF expression in cancer cells and the VEGF/KDR activated microvessel density (aMVD) in early operable NSCLC. The JC70 anti-CD31 monoclonal antibody was used to assess the standard MVD (sMVD). The aMVD was significantly higher in the invading front of the tumors and in the normal lung adjacent to the tumors as compared with normal lung distant to the tumor or to inner tumor areas (P < 0.0002). The sMVD was higher in the normal lung and decreased from the invading front to inner tumor areas (P < 0.0001). However, the vascular activation (aMVD:sMVD) was 4-6 times higher in the tumor areas as compared with lung from normal individuals (36-58% versus 9%; P < 0.0001). Fibroblast 11B5 reactivity, noted in 25% of cases, correlated with high aMVD and sMVD in the inner tumor areas. Multivariate analysis showed that aMVD was the most potent and independent prognostic factor (P = 0.001; t-ratio, 3.28). It is concluded that intense VEGF/KDR angiogenic pathway activation is a tumor-specific feature in more than 50% of NSCLC cases and is associated with poor postoperative outcome. Clinical trials involving targeting of the VEGF/KDR-positive vasculature with specific antibodies, such as 11B5, are, therefore, encouraged.
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PMID:Vascular endothelial growth factor/KDR activated microvessel density versus CD31 standard microvessel density in non-small cell lung cancer. 1085 Apr 61

Mesangial cell proliferation and growth factor over-expression are characteristic features of several glomerular diseases. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent mitogen, is expressed in podocytes in the glomerulus, and VEGF receptors (flt-1, KDR, and neuropilin-1) are present on endothelial cells and other cell types. This study examined whether human mesangial cells (HMC) express VEGF receptors in vitro and ex vivo and evaluated the effect of VEGF on HMC proliferation. All receptor types were detected in HMC in vitro by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. VEGF(165) induced a dose-responsive increase in (3)H-thymidine incorporation (25 ng/ml VEGF(165) : 2.3-fold increase; 50 ng/ml : 3.8-fold; 100 ng/ml : 4. 8-fold; 200 ng/ml : 3.4-fold; P = 0.016) and in cell number (50 ng/ml VEGF(165) : 1.2-fold increase; 100 ng/ml : 1.6-fold; 200 ng/ml : 1.4-fold; P = 0.005), effects prevented by an anti-VEGF(165) polyclonal neutralizing antibody (100 microg/ml). The proliferative effect was confirmed by a tetrazolium dye-based assay (100 ng/ml VEGF(165) : 1.4-fold increase). In ex vivo experiments, VEGF receptors in biopsy material from normal and diseased kidneys were detected by immunohistochemistry. No mesangial flt-1 receptor staining was seen in normal renal cortical tissue samples, and only weak mesangial KDR staining was detected. In contrast, mesangial flt-1 and KDR receptor staining were both clearly seen in biopsy samples from proliferative renal diseases. In conclusion, flt-1, KDR, and neuropilin-1 are present on cultured HMC, and VEGF(165) induces HMC proliferation. In addition, the flt-1 and KDR receptors are expressed in the mesangium in mesangioproliferative disease.
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PMID:Vascular endothelial growth factor receptors in human mesangium in vitro and in glomerular disease. 1086 79

The sprouting of new blood vessels, or angiogenesis, is necessary for any solid tumor to grow large enough to cause life-threatening disease. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the key promoters of tumor induced angiogenesis. VEGF receptors, the tyrosine kinases Flt-1 and KDR, are expressed on vascular endothelial cells and initiate angiogenesis upon activation by VEGF. 1-Anilino-(4-pyridylmethyl)-phthalazines, such as CGP 79787D (or PTK787 / ZK222584), reversibly inhibit Flt-1 and KDR with IC(50) values < 0.1 microM. CGP 79787D also blocks the VEGF-induced receptor autophosphorylation in CHO cells ectopically expressing the KDR receptor (ED(50) = 34 nM). Modification of the 1-anilino moiety afforded derivatives with higher selectivity for the VEGF receptor tyrosine kinases Flt-1 and KDR compared to the related receptor tyrosine kinases PDGF-R and c-Kit. Since these 1-anilino-(4-pyridylmethyl)phthalazines are orally well absorbed, these compounds qualify for further profiling and as candidates for clinical evaluation.
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PMID:New anilinophthalazines as potent and orally well absorbed inhibitors of the VEGF receptor tyrosine kinases useful as antagonists of tumor-driven angiogenesis. 1088 57

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has two highly homologous tyrosine kinase receptors: Flt-1 (VEGFR-1) and KDR (VEGFR-2). KDR is strongly phosphorylated on tyrosines and can transmit mitogenic and motogenic signals following VEGF binding, while Flt-1 is markedly less effective in mediating such functions. To dissect the regions that account for the differences between the two receptors, we generated a series of chimeric Flt-1-KDR molecules. We found that the juxtamembrane region of Flt-1 prevents key signaling functions. When the juxtamembrane region of Flt-1 is replaced by that of KDR, Flt-1 becomes competent to mediate endothelial cell migration and phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase activation in response to VEGF. Further mutational analysis shows that a short divergent sequence is responsible for such repressor function. However, mutant Flt-1 receptors lacking this sequence do not transmit effective proliferative signals, suggesting that this receptor function is regulated separately. These results define a novel functional domain that serves to repress Flt-1 activity in endothelial cells.
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PMID:A repressor sequence in the juxtamembrane domain of Flt-1 (VEGFR-1) constitutively inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor-dependent phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase activation and endothelial cell migration. 1092 87

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a fundamental role in mediating tumor angiogenesis and tumor growth. Here we investigate the direct effect of a novel small molecule inhibitor of the Flk-1-mediated signal transduction pathway of VEGF, SU5416, on tumor angiogenesis and microhemodynamics of an experimental glioblastoma by using intravital multifluorescence videomicroscopy. SU5416 treatment significantly suppressed tumor growth. In parallel, SU5416 demonstrated a potent antiangiogenic activity, resulting in a significant reduction of both the total and functional vascular density of the tumor microvasculature, which indicates an impaired vascularization as well as significant perfusion failure in treated tumors. This malperfusion was not compensated for by changes in vessel diameter or recruitment of nonperfused vessels. Analyses of the tumor microcirculation revealed significant microhemodynamic changes after angiogenesis blockage such as a higher red blood cell velocity and blood flow in remnant tumor vessels when compared with controls. Our results demonstrate that the novel antiangiogenic concept of targeting the tyrosine kinase of Flk-1/KDR by means of a small molecule inhibitor represents an efficient strategy to control growth and progression of angiogenesis-dependent tumors. This study provides insight into microvascular consequences of Flk-1/KDR targeting in vivo and may have important implications for the future treatment of angiogenesis-dependent neoplasms.
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PMID:Inhibition of tumor growth, angiogenesis, and microcirculation by the novel Flk-1 inhibitor SU5416 as assessed by intravital multi-fluorescence videomicroscopy. 1093 68

Vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and their cognate receptor tyrosine kinases are strongly implicated in angiogenesis associated with solid tumors. Using rational drug design coupled with traditional screening technologies, we have discovered SU6668, a novel inhibitor of these receptors. Biochemical kinetic studies using isolated Flk-1, FGF receptor 1, and PDGF receptor beta kinases revealed that SU6668 has competitive inhibitory properties with respect to ATP. Cocrystallographic studies of SU6668 in the catalytic domain of FGF receptor 1 substantiated the adenine mimetic properties of its oxindole core. Molecular modeling of SU6668 in the ATP binding pockets of the FIk-1/KDR and PDGF receptor kinases provided insight to explain the relative potency and selectivity of SU6668 for these receptors. In cellular systems, SU6668 inhibited receptor tyrosine phosphorylation and mitogenesis after stimulation of cells by appropriate ligands. Oral or i.p. administration of SU6668 in athymic mice resulted in significant growth inhibition of a diverse panel of human tumor xenografts of glioma, melanoma, lung, colon, ovarian, and epidermoid origin. Furthermore, intravital multifluorescence videomicroscopy of C6 glioma xenografts in the dorsal skinfold chamber model revealed that SU6668 treatment suppressed tumor angiogenesis. Finally, SU6668 treatment induced striking regression of large established human tumor xenografts. Investigations of SU6668 activity in cancer patients are ongoing in Phase I clinical trials.
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PMID:SU6668 is a potent antiangiogenic and antitumor agent that induces regression of established tumors. 1094 23

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) intracellular signaling in endothelial cells is initiated by the activation of distinct tyrosine kinase receptors, VEGFR1 (Flt-1) and VEGFR2 (Flk-1/KDR). Because the tyrosine kinase-dependent transcription factors known as STAT (signal transducers and activators of transcription) proteins are important modulators of cell growth responses induced by other growth factor receptors, we have determined the effects VEGF of on STAT activation in BAEC (bovine aortic endothelial cells). Here, we show that VEGF induces tyrosine phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of STAT1 and STAT6. VEGF also stimulates STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation, but nuclear translocation does not occur. We found that placenta growth factor, which selectively activates VEGFR1, has no effect on the STATs. However, upon VEGF stimulation, STAT1 associates with the VEGFR2 in a tyrosine kinase-dependent manner, indicating that VEGF-induced STAT1 activation is mediated primarily by VEGFR2. Thus, our study shows for the first time that VEGF activates the STAT pathway through VEGFR2. Because the growth-promoting activity of VEGF depends upon VEGFR2 activation, these findings suggest a role for the STATs in the regulation of gene expression associated with the angiogenic effects of VEGF.
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PMID:Vascular endothelial growth factor activates STAT proteins in aortic endothelial cells. 1096 83


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