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VEGFR-3 in adult angiogenesis
A N Witmer1, B C van Blijswijk, J Dai
1Ocular Angiogenesis Group, Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
The Journal of Pathology
|December 18, 2001
Summary
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR-3) plays a role in adult blood vessel angiogenesis, not just lymphangiogenesis. Its expression on sprouting blood vessels suggests involvement in VEGF-A-driven neovascularization.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Angiogenesis Research
Background:
- Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR-3) is known for its role in lymphangiogenesis.
- VEGFR-3 is crucial for blood vessel development during embryonic stages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of VEGFR-3 in adult blood vessel angiogenesis.
- To examine VEGFR-3 expression in human tissues with angiogenesis and in a primate model of neovascularization.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry at light and electron microscopic levels.
- Analysis of human tumor tissues and granulation tissue.
- Study of VEGF-A-induced iris neovascularization in monkeys.
Main Results:
- VEGFR-3 is expressed on the endothelium of proliferating blood vessels in tumors and granulation tissue.
- Lymphangiogenesis was observed to follow blood vessel angiogenesis in granulation tissue.
- VEGFR-3 was detected on blood vessel sprouts and pre-existing vessels in VEGF-A-treated monkey eyes.
Conclusions:
- VEGFR-3 and its ligands (VEGF-C/VEGF-D) may be involved in cell signaling during adult blood vessel angiogenesis.
- VEGFR-3 expression in response to VEGF-A suggests its recruitment in VEGF-A-driven angiogenesis.