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How genes control blood vessel formation
UPDATED 11 SEP 2000 Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have identified a unique pattern of gene activity that occurs as tumor cells form new blood vessels. The process of blood-vessel formation, called angiogenesis, is a necessary step in the growth of most tumors. Lacking a new blood supply, solid tumors remain at pinpoint size and fail to spread.
The discovery could bring the inhibition of new blood vessels one step closer to the cancer clinic.
The new research identified 46 genes that were more active, and 33 that were less active, in tumor cells compared to normal cells. Each time a gene becomes active, it creates proteins. Presumably, the proteins created by these genes are used to form new blood vessels.
Previously, researchers have tried, with some success, to inhibit chemicals involved in angiogenesis. The new knowledge of which genes are activated during the formation of new blood vessels could eventually lead to some genetic therapy.
Alternatively, once the proteins made by these genes are found, it may be possible to find more drugs that block the crucial stage of angiogenesis. (More on the relationship between genes and proteins.)
Bibliography:
Press release on the research.
Gene Expression Patterns Identified, Jean Marx, Science, 18 August 2000, pp. 1121-2.
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