Potential therapeutic implications of intracrine angiogenesis

Med Hypotheses. 2007;69(2):414-21. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2006.10.065. Epub 2007 Feb 22.

Abstract

Angiogenesis, in most cases, is a requirement for tumor growth beyond a diameter of a few millimeters and is, therefore, a major target for cancer therapy. The intracellular actions of certain extracellular signaling proteins (intracrines) have been reported, and it is clear that intracrines such as vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, angiogenin, angiotensin, and endothelin, among others, are involved in angiogenesis. We have proposed that intracrine networks play an important role in angiogenesis, and have suggested that very similar intracrine networks exist in some tumor cells. These notions have implications for the development of anti-angiogenesis therapies because they suggest that the inhibition of intracellular intracrine trafficking pathways may be an effective therapeutic target. Here the participation and regulation of intracrines in angiogenesis is explored, as are the actions of various anti-angiogenic factors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / physiology*
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Angiogenic Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Angiogenic Proteins / physiology*
  • Angiogenic Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / physiology*
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / therapeutic use*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / metabolism*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / therapy*

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Angiogenic Proteins
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins