|
Lymphangiogenesis, or the development of new lymphatic vessels, plays roles in tissue repair and in pathological processes such as tumor growth and metastasis. The growth of lymphatic vessels is thought to play a crucial role in the formation of both local and distant tumor metastases, including those to the bone marrow. The mechanisms regulating lymphangiogenesis, however, have not been well understood.
A target molecule that is differentially regulated during pathological lymphangiogenesis has been identified. This molecule is not expressed on resting lymphatic vessels but exhibits induced expression on proliferating lymphatic vessels in tumors and in lymph nodes proximal and distal to primary tumors. An antagonist of this molecule has been shown to inhibit lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis in animals. Antagonists of the target molecule, such as small molecules or antibodies, therefore, have the potential to inhibit lymphangiogenesis and subsequent lymph node metastases in humans.
Very few methods currently exist to inhibit lymphangiognesis; the identification of an alternative target molecule provides the potential for novel therapeutics to be developed that prevent or reduce tumor metastasis in humans.
Case No: SD2006-143
Inquiries To: invent@ucsd.edu
|
