Regulation of VEGF/VPF expression in tumor cells: consequences for tumor growth and metastasis

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), also known as vascular permeability factor (VPF) is a multifunctional cytokine which potently stimulates angiogenesis in vivo. VEGF/VPF expression is elevated in pathological conditions including cancer, proliferative retinopathy, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. The angiogenesis associated with human tumors is likely a central component in promoting tumor growth and metastatic potential. The regulation of VEGF/VPF expression during tumor progression may involve diverse mechanisms including activated oncogenes, mutant or deleted tumor suppressor genes, cytokine activation, hormonal modulators, and a particularly effective activator, hypoxia. Understanding the diverse mechanisms by which tumor cells overexpress VEGF/VPF, and which mechanisms are operating in specific tumor types is important for the design of effective anti-cancer therapies.