Mechanisms of VEGF Availability in Prostate Cancer
Abstract
VEGF signaling is critical to neovascularization of tumors and metastatic progression. In fact, alterations in VEGF levels or in receptor phosphorylation results in suppression of vascular expansion and concomitant reduction of tumor growth and metastasis. In this proposal we explore the ability of matrix metalloproteases to modulate VEGF signaling in tumors. We found that excess of MMPs results in the release of VEGF from matrix binding sites, with increased permeability and aberrant neovascular growth. Genetic inactivation of MMP9 in the context of tumors did not affect VEGF processing, as other MMPs compensated functionally for the lack of the protease. We thus, generated a mutant VEGF protein unable to be cleaved. In this case, permeability was suppressed, but growth of vessels continued from matrix-bound VEGF.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA507142
Entities
People
- Arnaud Movoisin
- Luisa Iruela-arispe
Organizations
- University of California, Los Angeles