Tumors are dependent upon new blood vessel formation, or angiogenesis, for expansive growth. Our prior analysis of gene expression in tumor endothelium led to the identification of a G-protein coupled receptor called TEM5. In an attempt to understand the role of TEM5 in angiogenesis and its importance for tumor growth, we previously embarked upon a hunt for its physiological ligand. Through a number of serendipitous events we have purified a factor that we now believe is not the ligand of TEM5 but is a very important biological factor that in our model system promotes tumor growth, tumor angiogenesis, and possibly cachexia. We are currently characterizing this factor and its role in tumorigenesis.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Investigator-Initiated Intramural Research Projects (ZIA)
Project #
1ZIABC010483-08
Application #
8157315
Study Section
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
8
Fiscal Year
2010
Total Cost
$251,752
Indirect Cost
Name
National Cancer Institute Division of Basic Sciences
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
State
Country
Zip Code
Xu, Lihong; Stevens, Janine; Hilton, Mary Beth et al. (2014) COX-2 inhibition potentiates antiangiogenic cancer therapy and prevents metastasis in preclinical models. Sci Transl Med 6:242ra84
Cullen, Mike; Elzarrad, Mohammed K; Seaman, Steven et al. (2011) GPR124, an orphan G protein-coupled receptor, is required for CNS-specific vascularization and establishment of the blood-brain barrier. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 108:5759-64