Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptors in human neuroblastomas.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a specific endothelial cell mitogen that stimulates angiogenesis and plays a crucial role in tumor growth. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of VEGF and of its two high-affinity tyrosine kinase receptors (KDR and Flt-1) in neuroblastoma surgical samples and cell lines.

PROCEDURE:

The VEGF, KDR, and Flt-1 mRNA expression in neuroblastoma surgical samples and cell lines was studied by RT-PCR. The receptors were identified in [(125)I]VEGF binding and in functional studies (effect on cell growth). VEGF production by neuroblastomas was investigated by the ELISA method.

RESULTS:

It was possible to observe the mRNAs encoding for VEGF and its two receptors in some of the surgical specimens examined, including most of the high-grade tumors. It was also possible to demonstrate that the SK-N-BE cell line expressed VEGF, KDR, and Flt-1 mRNAs as well as biologically active receptors: The cells bound [(125)I]-VEGF, and their growth was stimulated by exogenous VEGF. Moreover, VEGF protein could be detected in their culture conditioned medium.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results suggest that, in addition to its effect on angiogenesis, VEGF may affect neuroblastoma cell growth directly and could be an autocrine growth factor.

• Authors: I Langer, P Vertongen, J Perret, J Fontaine, G Atassi, P Robberecht
• Journal: Medical and pediatric oncology (Med Pediatr Oncol) Vol. 34 Issue 6 Pg. 386-93 (Jun 2000) ISSN: 0098-1532 [Print] United States
• PMID: 10842244 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Chemical References

• DNA, Neoplasm
• Endothelial Growth Factors
• Lymphokines
• Proto-Oncogene Proteins
• RNA primers
• RNA, Messenger
• RNA, Neoplasm
• Receptors, Growth Factor
• Receptors, Mitogen
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
• RNA
• Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
• Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1

Topics

• Child
• Child, Preschool
• DNA, Neoplasm (biosynthesis)
• Endothelial Growth Factors (biosynthesis, genetics)
• Female
• Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
• Humans
• Infant
• Lymphokines (biosynthesis, genetics)
• Male
• Neuroblastoma (metabolism)
• Proto-Oncogene Proteins (biosynthesis, genetics)
• RNA
• RNA, Messenger (analysis)
• RNA, Neoplasm (analysis)
• Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases (biosynthesis, genetics)
• Receptors, Growth Factor (biosynthesis, genetics)
• Receptors, Mitogen (biosynthesis, genetics)
• Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
• Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Tumor Cells, Cultured
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors