Abstract
Angiogenesis plays a crucial role in the development, growth and spread of solid tumours. Pro- and anti-angiogenic factors are abnormally expressed in tumours, influencing tumour angiogenesis, growth and progression. Polymorphisms in genes encoding angiogenic factors or their receptors may alter protein expression and/or activity. This article reviews the literature to determine the possible role of angiogenesis-related polymorphisms in cancer. Further research studies in this potentially crucial area of tumour biology are proposed.
Copyright 2002 Cancer Research UK
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Cytokines / genetics
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Endothelial Growth Factors / genetics
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Hepatocyte Growth Factor / genetics
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Humans
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Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
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Lymphokines / genetics
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Matrix Metalloproteinases / genetics
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Neoplasms / blood supply*
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Neoplasms / genetics
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Neovascularization, Pathologic / genetics*
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Polymorphism, Genetic*
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Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor / genetics
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Transforming Growth Factor beta / genetics
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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
Substances
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Cytokines
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Endothelial Growth Factors
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Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
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Lymphokines
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Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor
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Transforming Growth Factor beta
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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
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Hepatocyte Growth Factor
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Matrix Metalloproteinases