What is angiogenesis ?

Tumors cells need a rich blood supply in order to grow and metastasize. Angiogenesis is the process by which new blood vessels, called capillaries are formed. Capillaries are lined with endothelial cells.

･Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitor targets KDR tyrosine kinase. We demonstrated that A potent VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (VEGFR-TKI) also blocks Flt-1tyrosine kinase, which is another VEGF receptor. This compound inhibits migration of vascular endothelial cells in response to placenta growth factor (PlGF). Moreover, this compound inhibits PlGF-induced angiogenesis in Matrigel plug assay.
Anti-angiogenic activity of this compound appears to be because of inhibition of not only KDR but also Flt-1 tyrosine kinase.

･Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase is a potential target for anticancer therapy. We demonstrated that the antitumor effects of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) could be mediated in part by inhibition of tumor angiogenesis through direct effects on microvascular endothelial cells (EGFR-TKI inhibited EGF-induced formation of tube-like structures ) and also through reduced production of proangiogenic factors (VEGF, IL-8) by tumor cells.