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Axl-dependent signalling: a clinical update

Vyacheslav A Korshunov1

  • 1Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. Slava_Korshunov@URMC.rochester.edu

Clinical Science (London, England : 1979)
|December 23, 2011
PubMed

Insights

The Gas6/Axl pathway, a receptor tyrosine kinase, is upregulated in diseases, promoting cancer and cardiovascular issues. Inhibiting Axl can reduce tumor growth and metastasis.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Axl receptor tyrosine kinase, part of the TAM family, binds to Gas6.
  • Axl activation promotes cell survival, migration, and growth via downstream pathways.
  • The Gas6/Axl pathway is more active in pathological states than in normal physiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in Axl receptor biology.
  • To focus on the translational aspects of Axl signaling in diseases.
  • To highlight Axl's role in cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on Axl receptor biology.
  • Analysis of Axl's downstream signaling pathways.
  • Examination of Axl's role in various pathological conditions.

Main Results:

  • Axl inhibition reduces tumorigenesis and metastasis.
  • Axl signaling contributes to cardiovascular disease progression.
  • Axl deficiency in immune cells exacerbates autoimmune disorders.

Conclusions:

  • Axl receptor tyrosine kinase is a significant factor in various diseases.
  • Targeting Axl offers therapeutic potential for cancer and other conditions.
  • Further research is needed on Axl interactions and activation mechanisms in chronic diseases.

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