Abstract | OBJECTIVE: METHODS: RESULTS: We have demonstrated that VEGF expression was significantly (P < 0.05) more prevalent in PTCs (79%) than in FTCs (50%) or PDTCs (37%). Similarly, 76% of PTCs, 83% of FTCs and 25% of PDTCs expressed VEGFR-1, whereas 68% of PTCs, 56% of FTCs and 37% of PDTCs expressed VEGFR-2. Coexpression of VEGF and its receptors was observed in 50% of PTCs, 39% of FTCs and 12% of PDTCs, raising the possibility that VEGF may signal in an autocrine loop in these neoplasias, as observed previously for other types of cancer. In agreement with the idea that autocrine VEGF signalling plays an important role in thyroid carcinogenesis, the blockade of either VEGF or its receptors with neutralizing antibodies significantly reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis levels of the VEGFR-positive thyroid tumour cell line NPA'87. CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight a previously undefined VEGF autocrine action in thyroid carcinomas which could play a crucial role in tumour cell survival and could represent a useful therapeutic target for thyroid tumours.
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Authors | Joaquim Miguel Vieira, Susana C Rosa Santos, Carla Espadinha, Isabel Correia, Tibor Vag, Cristina Casalou, Branca Maria Cavaco, Ana Luiísa Catarino, Sérgio Dias, Valeriano Leite |
Journal | European journal of endocrinology
(Eur J Endocrinol)
Vol. 153
Issue 5
Pg. 701-9
(Nov 2005)
ISSN: 0804-4643 [Print] England |
PMID | 16260429
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
- Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf
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Topics |
- Adenocarcinoma, Follicular
(genetics, metabolism, pathology, physiopathology)
- Apoptosis
- Autocrine Communication
- Cell Line
- Cell Survival
- Genetic Testing
- Humans
- Mutation
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf
(genetics)
- Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
(metabolism)
- Thyroid Neoplasms
(genetics, metabolism, pathology, physiopathology)
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
(metabolism)
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