Fibroblast growth factor/fibroblast growth factor receptor system in angiogenesis

• Published in: Cytokine & growth factor reviews Vol. 16; no. 2; pp. 159 - 178
• Main Authors: Presta, Marco, Dell’Era, Patrizia, Mitola, Stefania, Moroni, Emanuela, Ronca, Roberto, Rusnati, Marco
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01-04-2005
• Subjects: Angiogenesis; Animals; Endothelial Cells - physiology; Endothelium; FGF; FGF receptors; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 - physiology; Fibroblast Growth Factors - physiology; Genetic Therapy; Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans - physiology; Heparin - physiology; Humans; Ischemia - therapy; Neoplasms - blood supply; Neovascularization, Pathologic - physiopathology; Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor - physiology; Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor - physiology; Tumor; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A - physiology; Angiogenesis; Tumor; FGF; FGF receptors; Endothelium
• ISSN: 1359-6101
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2005.01.004

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are a family of heparin-binding growth factors. FGFs exert their pro-angiogenic activity by interacting with various endothelial cell surface receptors, including tyrosine kinase receptors, heparan-sulfate proteoglycans, and integrins. Their activity is modulated by a variety of free and extracellular matrix-associated molecules. Also, the cross-talk among FGFs, vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), and inflammatory cytokines/chemokines may play a role in the modulation of blood vessel growth in different pathological conditions, including cancer. Indeed, several experimental evidences point to a role for FGFs in tumor growth and angiogenesis. This review will focus on the relevance of the FGF/FGF receptor system in adult angiogenesis and its contribution to tumor vascularization.