Endoglin (CD105): a powerful therapeutic target on tumor-associated angiogenetic blood vessels

Ester Fonsatti1, Maresa Altomonte, Maria Rita Nicotra

  • 1Cancer Bioimmunotherapy Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientific, Aviano 33081, Italy.

Oncogene
|October 7, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Endoglin (CD105) is a key surface molecule on endothelial cells and is a promising target for anti-angiogenic cancer therapies. Its expression on tumor blood vessels and in circulation has prognostic value and potential for imaging.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Endoglin (CD105) is a cell membrane glycoprotein primarily found on endothelial cells.
  • CD105 is overexpressed on tumor-associated vascular endothelium.
  • It plays a role in vascular development and remodeling as part of the TGF-beta receptor complex.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore endoglin (CD105) as a vascular target for anti-angiogenic cancer therapy.
  • To investigate the prognostic significance of CD105 quantification in cancer.
  • To assess the utility of CD105 in tumor imaging and anti-angiogenic strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing CD105 staining to quantify intratumoral microvessel density.
  • Measuring circulating soluble CD105 levels.
  • Employing animal models to evaluate CD105's role in tumor imaging and therapy.

Main Results:

  • CD105 is a significant surface molecule on endothelial cells with therapeutic potential.
  • Quantification of CD105 shows prognostic significance in certain cancers.
  • Animal studies demonstrate CD105's utility in tumor imaging and anti-angiogenic therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Endoglin (CD105) represents a crucial target for developing novel anti-angiogenic cancer treatments.
  • CD105-based diagnostics and therapeutics hold promise for improving cancer patient outcomes.

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