Vascular remodelling and molecular biology: new concepts and therapeutic possibilities

1. Over the past decade major advances in molecular cell biology have greatly increased our understanding of the way in which many growth factor genes are expressed and regulated. This knowledge is currently being translated into investigations of the cardiovascular system. 2. Two growth factor families appear to play particularly important roles, the fibroblast growth factors and the transforming growth factors-beta. These are multifunctional growth factors capable of remodelling the vasculature through their effects on cell migration, proliferation and matrix formation. 3. An understanding of their regulation, properties and nature of their receptors is providing novel insights into the physiology and pathobiology of the vasculature. It is also providing highly specific targets for future therapy.