VEGF-D is expressed in activated lymphoid cells and in tumors of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues

Leuk Lymphoma. 2007 Oct;48(10):2014-21. doi: 10.1080/10428190701540975.

Abstract

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)-D is a member of the VEGF family of angiogenic growth factors that activate the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor (VEGFR)-2 and VEGFR-3, which are mainly expressed in blood and lymphatic vessels. Here we have analyzed by using monoclonal antibodies, the expression of VEGF-D and its cognate receptor VEGFR-3 in normal and pathologic bone marrow and lymph node biopsies. This analysis revealed that VEGF-D is expressed in B cells of the germinal centers, scattered B and T blasts, myeloid progenitors, acute leukemia, several types of non Hodgkin lymphoma, and classical Hodgkin's lymphoma. In normal tissues VEGFR-3 was only expressed in fenestrated capillaries of bone marrow and in lymphatic vessels of lymph nodes, while in VEGF-D expressing tumors newly formed vessels, but not malignant cells, showed high VEGFR-3 expression. These data suggest that VEGF-D could contribute to leukemia and lymphoma growth via the induction of angiogenesis in bone marrow and lymphoid tissues.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / chemistry
  • Biopsy
  • Bone Marrow Cells / metabolism
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • HL-60 Cells
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • K562 Cells
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D / biosynthesis*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / metabolism
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3 / biosynthesis
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3 / metabolism

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3