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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
Preparation Of Neovascular Tissues from Human Glioma Tissues for Quantitative Proteomics Analysis of Tumor Angiogenesis
Published on: March 20, 2026
Molecular therapeutic targets for glioma angiogenesis
Shingo Takano1, Toshiharu Yamashita, Osamu Ohneda
1Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan.
Abstract:
Due to the prominent angiogenesis that occurs in malignant glioma, antiangiogenic therapy has been attempted. There have been several molecular targets that are specific to malignant gliomas, as well as more broadly in systemic cancers. In this review, I will focus on some topics related to molecular therapeutic targets for glioma angiogenesis. First, important angiogenic factors that could be considered molecular targets are VEGF, VEGF-induced proteins on endothelial cells, tissue factor, osteopontin, alpha(v)beta(3) integrin, and thymidine phosphorylase as well as endogenous inhibitors, soluble Flt1, and thrombospondin 1. Second, hypoxic areas are also decreased by metronomic CPT11 treatment as well as temozolomide. Third, glioma-derived endothelial cells that are genetically and functionally distinct from normal endothelial cells should be targeted, for example, with SDF-1 and CXCR7 chemokine. Fourth, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) likely contribute towards glioma angiogenesis in the brain and could be useful as a drug delivery tool. Finally, blockade of delta-like 4 (Dll4) results in a nonfunctioning vasculature and could be another important target distinct from VEGF.
Insights
This review explores molecular targets for antiangiogenic therapy in malignant glioma. Targeting factors like VEGF and distinct glioma endothelial cells offers promising therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Malignant gliomas exhibit significant angiogenesis, making antiangiogenic therapy a key research area.
- Several molecular targets exist for glioma angiogenesis, applicable to both gliomas and systemic cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review molecular therapeutic targets for glioma angiogenesis.
- To discuss novel targets beyond VEGF for antiangiogenic strategies in gliomas.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on angiogenic factors and therapeutic targets in malignant glioma.
- Analysis of specific molecular targets including VEGF, SDF-1/CXCR7, and Dll4.
Main Results:
- Key angiogenic factors (VEGF, tissue factor, integrins) and inhibitors (soluble Flt1, thrombospondin 1) are identified as potential targets.
- Hypoxic areas in gliomas can be reduced by metronomic CPT11 and temozolomide.
- Glioma-specific endothelial cells (targeted by SDF-1/CXCR7) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are crucial.
- Blockade of delta-like 4 (Dll4) offers a VEGF-independent antiangiogenic approach.
Conclusions:
- Targeting specific molecular pathways, including VEGF, glioma-endothelial cell interactions, and Dll4, is crucial for effective antiangiogenic therapy in malignant gliomas.
- Endothelial progenitor cells present opportunities for both therapeutic targeting and drug delivery in glioma treatment.
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