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Updated: Sep 26, 2026

A Novel High-resolution In vivo Imaging Technique to Study the Dynamic Response of Intracranial Structures to Tumor Growth and Therapeutics
12:09

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Published on: June 16, 2013

Expression of endothelial cell-specific receptor tyrosine kinases and growth factors in human brain tumors

E Hatva1, A Kaipainen, P Mentula

  • 1Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Finland.

The American Journal of Pathology
|February 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors are upregulated in brain tumors, suggesting they are key targets for anti-angiogenesis therapies. This study analyzed their expression in various CNS tumors and normal brain tissue.

Area of Science:

  • Neuro-oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Angiogenesis is crucial for solid tumor growth, making growth factor-receptor interactions potential therapeutic targets for central nervous system (CNS) tumors.
  • Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent mitogen for endothelial cells that stimulates angiogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the expression of VEGF, placental growth factor (PIGF), VEGF receptors (KDR, FLT1), and orphan receptors (FLT4, Tie) in normal human brain tissue and various CNS tumors.
  • To investigate the role of these factors and receptors in tumor angiogenesis and progression.

Main Methods:

  • In situ hybridization was used to analyze the expression of VEGF, PIGF, KDR, FLT1, FLT4, and Tie mRNA.
  • Analysis was performed on normal human brain tissue and CNS tumors including gliomas (grades II, III, IV), meningiomas (grades I, II), and melanoma metastases.

Main Results:

  • VEGF mRNA was upregulated in most low-grade tumors and highly expressed in malignant gliomas.
  • Elevated levels of Tie, KDR, and FLT1 mRNAs were observed in malignant tumor endothelia and adjacent tissues, but not in normal brain vasculature.
  • FLT4 mRNA expression was not significantly altered.

Conclusions:

  • The findings support the hypothesis that endothelial receptors like Tie, KDR, and FLT1 are induced during CNS tumor progression.
  • These upregulated receptors may play a significant role in tumor angiogenesis, presenting potential therapeutic targets.

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