Growth factor signaling in cancer

Our laboratory is focused on the identification of signaling mechanisms of the Angiopoietin (Ang) growth factors and their Tie receptor tyrosine kinases, which together form an endothelial signaling pathway of fundamental importance during the development of the vascular systems, and with recently discovered potential in the anti-angiogenic treatment of cancer. Our special interest is on the mechanisms by which the Ang-Tie pathway promotes tumor growth and angiogenesis. We develop and utilize cellular, ex vivo and in vivo models to discover novel regulators of the Ang-Tie pathway and this way aim to understand at the molecular level the Ang-Tie system in quiescent blood and lymphatic vasculatures and during pathological angiogenesis of the tumor vessels.

Page updated November 18, 2011