FLK-1 IS A RECEPTOR FOR VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR

摘要

The present invention relates to the use of ligands for the Flk-1 receptor forthe modulation of angiogenesis andvasculogenesis. The invention is based, in part, on the demonstration that Flk-1 tyrosine kinase receptor expression is associated withendothelial cells and the identification of vascular endothelial growth factor("VEGF) as the high affinity ligand of Flk-1. Theseresults indicate a major role for Flk-1 in the signaling system duringvasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Engineering of host cells thatexpress Flk-1 and the uses of expressed Flk-1 to evaluate and screen for drugsand analogs of VEGF involved in Flk-1modulation by either agonist or antagonist activities is described. Theinvention also relates to the use of FLK-1 ligands, including VEGFagonists and antagonists. in the treatment of disorders, including cancer, bymodulating vasculogenesis and angiogenesis.