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Updated: May 18, 2026
09:04
A Simple Bioassay for the Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
Published on: March 15, 2016
Collaborative interplay between FGF-2 and VEGF-C promotes lymphangiogenesis and metastasis
Renhai Cao1, Hong Ji, Ninghan Feng
1Department of Microbiology, Tumor, and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
Summary
Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) synergistically promote tumor angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Targeting this interplay may offer novel cancer therapies and metastasis prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis are critical in cancer progression but the interplay of key factors is unclear.
- Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) are known lymphangiogenic factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the collaborative roles of FGF-2 and VEGF-C in promoting tumor angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis.
- To identify the molecular mechanisms underlying FGF-2 and VEGF-C-mediated lymphangiogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Coimplantation of FGF-2 and VEGF-C in mouse corneas to assess additive effects.
- Analysis of receptor expression (FGFR-1, VEGFR-3) in lymphatic endothelial cells.
- Inhibition studies using a VEGFR-3-specific neutralizing antibody.
Main Results:
- FGF-2 and VEGF-C synergistically enhanced angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment.
- FGFR-1 mediates FGF-2-induced lymphangiogenesis, while VEGFR-3 signaling is essential for lymphatic tip cell formation in both factor-induced processes.
- VEGFR-3 inhibition significantly reduced FGF-2-induced lymphangiogenesis.
Conclusions:
- The synergistic interaction between FGF-2 and VEGF-C drives tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
- Targeting the combined angiogenic and lymphangiogenic effects of FGF-2 and VEGF-C presents a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer and metastasis prevention.
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