DF/HCC Program Affiliation

Angiogenesis, Invasion, and Metastasis

Research Abstract

Our long-term goal is to define signaling pathways that promote regression of vessels. Recognizing that an integral part of the angiogenic program is vessel destabilization and regression, we hypothesized that there is a naturally occurring signaling system directing this response. Indeed, we discovered that while certain signaling enzymes (such as phosphoinositide 3 kinase and Akt) promote vessel formation, others (such as phospholipase C γ [PLCγ]) induce both destabilization and regression of vessels. We are currently focusing on the mechanism by which PLCγ destabilizes vessels, and the application of these findings to both in vivo and clinical settings.

Publications

• Im E, Kazlauskas A.New insights regarding vessel regression.Cell Cycle 2006 Sep;5(18):2057-9.
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• Im E, Kazlauskas A.Regulating angiogenesis at the level of PtdIns-4,5-P2.EMBO J 2006 May 17;25(10):2075-82.
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• Kazlauskas A.The priming/completion paradigm to explain growth factor-dependent cell cycle progression.Growth Factors 2005 Sep;23(3):203-10.
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• Im E, Venkatakrishnan A, Kazlauskas A.Cathepsin B regulates the intrinsic angiogenic threshold of endothelial cells.Mol Biol Cell 2005 Aug;16(8):3488-500.
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• Jones SM, Kazlauskas A.Growth-factor-dependent mitogenesis requires two distinct phases of signalling.Nat Cell Biol 2001 Feb;3(2):165-72.
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