Abstract
The dysfunction or proliferation of lymphatic vessels (lymphangiogenesis) is linked to a number of pathological conditions including lymphedema and cancer. The recent discovery and characterisation of the lymphangiogenic growth factors vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) and VEGF-D and of their receptor on lymphatic endothelial cells, VEGFR-3, has provided an understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling the growth of lymphatic vessels. In addition, other genes and protein markers have been identified with specificity for lymphatic endothelium that have enhanced the characterization and isolation of lymphatic endothelial cells. Our growing understanding of the molecules that control lymphangiogenesis allows us to design more specific drugs with which to manipulate the relevant signalling pathways. Modulating these pathways and other molecules with specificity to the lymphatic system could offer alternative treatments for a number of important clinical conditions.
Keywords: lymphangiogenesis, growth factor, growth factor receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor, lymphedema, metastasis
Current Pharmaceutical Design
Title: Molecular Targeting of Lymphatics for Therapy
Volume: 10 Issue: 1
Author(s): S. A. Stacker, R. A. Hughes and M. G. Achen
Affiliation:
Keywords: lymphangiogenesis, growth factor, growth factor receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor, lymphedema, metastasis
Abstract: The dysfunction or proliferation of lymphatic vessels (lymphangiogenesis) is linked to a number of pathological conditions including lymphedema and cancer. The recent discovery and characterisation of the lymphangiogenic growth factors vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) and VEGF-D and of their receptor on lymphatic endothelial cells, VEGFR-3, has provided an understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling the growth of lymphatic vessels. In addition, other genes and protein markers have been identified with specificity for lymphatic endothelium that have enhanced the characterization and isolation of lymphatic endothelial cells. Our growing understanding of the molecules that control lymphangiogenesis allows us to design more specific drugs with which to manipulate the relevant signalling pathways. Modulating these pathways and other molecules with specificity to the lymphatic system could offer alternative treatments for a number of important clinical conditions.
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Cite this article as:
Stacker A. S., Hughes A. R. and Achen G. M., Molecular Targeting of Lymphatics for Therapy, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2004; 10 (1) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612043453513
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612043453513 |
Print ISSN 1381-6128 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-4286 |
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