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VEGF111: new insights in tissue invasion
Kevin Danastas1, Valery Combes2, Laura A Lindsay1
1Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, School of Medical Sciences, Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Frontiers in Physiology
|February 7, 2015
Summary
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a key role in blood vessel formation. A newly identified VEGF111 isoform, found naturally in lizards, shows high angiogenic potential and may offer insights into cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Developmental biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is crucial for angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels.
- VEGF isoforms, generated by alternative mRNA splicing, exhibit varied properties.
- VEGF is implicated in physiological angiogenesis and pathological conditions like cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the newly identified VEGF111 isoform and its unique exon composition.
- To explore regulatory mechanisms of VEGF111 beyond DNA damage.
- To understand the potential link between viviparity evolution, VEGF111, and cancer development.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of VEGF mRNA alternative splicing.
- Identification and characterization of VEGF isoforms.
- Comparative studies across species (human and Saiphos equalis).
Main Results:
- A novel VEGF isoform, VEGF111, was identified with a unique exon composition conferring high angiogenic potential.
- VEGF111 is induced by DNA damage in humans but naturally occurs in the viviparous lizard Saiphos equalis.
- This suggests alternative regulatory pathways for VEGF111.
Conclusions:
- The discovery of VEGF111 and its unique regulation opens new avenues for cancer research.
- Understanding VEGF111's role may elucidate the connection between the evolution of viviparity and cancer risk.
- Further research into VEGF111 could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for angiogenesis-related diseases.
