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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Monitoring Functionality and Morphology of Vasculature Recruited by Factors Secreted by Fast-growing Tumor-generating Cells
Published on: November 23, 2014
Targeting integrins for the control of tumour angiogenesis
Abebe Akalu1, Alexandra Cretu, Peter C Brooks
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
Abstract:
The crucial role of cell extracellular matrix communication in angiogenesis is well established; thus, it is not surprising that integrins have gained considerable attention as targets for the treatment of neovascular disease. Given the diversity of ligands and complexity of integrin signalling, a new appreciation for the divergent roles of integrins in angiogenesis is emerging. It is becoming clear that integrins regulate angiogenesis in both a positive and negative manner. New studies have provided a better understanding of integrin structure as it relates to ligand binding and signalling. This new insight has opened exciting possibilities for the design of novel inhibitors for clinical applications. In this review, studies concerning the cooperative interactions between integrins and regulatory molecules and possible new strategies for controlling angiogenesis will be discussed.
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