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Published on: June 30, 2023
The VEGF/Rho GTPase signalling pathway: a promising target for anti-angiogenic/anti-invasion therapy
Roy van der Meel1, Marc H Symons, Robert Kudernatsch
1Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
It has become increasingly apparent that current antiangiogenic therapy elicits modest effects in clinical settings. In addition, it remains challenging to treat cancer metastasis through antiangiogenic regimes. Rho GTPases are essential for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-mediated angiogenesis and are involved in tumour cell invasion. This review discusses novel therapeutic strategies that interfere with Rho GTPase signalling and further explores this network as a target for anticancer therapy through interference with tumour angiogenesis and invasion. Recent findings describe the development of innovative Rho GTPase inhibitors. Positive clinical effects of Rho GTPase targeting in combination with conventional anticancer therapy is of increasing interest.
Insights
Targeting Rho GTPase signaling offers a promising strategy to overcome limitations in current antiangiogenic cancer therapies, potentially improving treatment for angiogenesis and metastasis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Current antiangiogenic therapies show limited clinical efficacy and struggle to address cancer metastasis.
- Rho GTPases play a crucial role in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-mediated angiogenesis and tumor cell invasion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review novel therapeutic strategies targeting Rho GTPase signaling for cancer treatment.
- To explore the potential of Rho GTPase networks as targets for inhibiting tumor angiogenesis and invasion.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent findings on Rho GTPase inhibitors.
- Discussion of therapeutic strategies interfering with Rho GTPase signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Development of innovative Rho GTPase inhibitors has been reported.
- Interference with Rho GTPase signaling presents a viable approach for anticancer therapy.
Conclusions:
- Targeting Rho GTPase signaling is a promising strategy to enhance antiangiogenic therapy.
- Combining Rho GTPase targeting with conventional treatments may yield positive clinical outcomes.
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