[Implication of HARP in angiogenesis and possible therapeutic role]

HARP (heparin affin regulatory peptide), also called pleiotrophin (PTN), belongs to the heparin binding growth factors (HBGFs) family. Several new data suggest a role for HARP during the various stages of angiogenesis. In vivo, HARP is localised in endothelial cells of blood capillaries. In vitro, HARP displays mitogenic activity on endothelial cells, induces the formation of capillary-like structures in collagen gel, and degrades extracellular matrix via stimulation of plasminogen activator activity. HARP is also involved in neoangiogenesis during tumor progression. This review discusses the possible role of HARP in tumor angiogenesis and its therapeutic implications.