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AssigneeMax-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Wissenschaften
InventorsAxel Ullrich, Werner Risau, Birgit Millauer
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The present invention relates to the use of proteins, peptides and organic molecules capable of modulating Flk-1 receptor signal transduction in order to inhibit or promote angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. The invention is based, in part, on the demonstration that Flk-1 tyrosine kinase receptor expression is associated with endothelial cells and the identification of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as the high affinity ligand of Flk-1. These results indicate a major role for Flk-1 in the signaling system during vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Engineering of host cells that express Flk-1 and the uses of expressed Flk-1 to evaluate and screen for drugs and analogs of VEGF involved in Flk-1 modulation by either agonist or antagonist activities is described. The invention also relates to the use of FLK-1 ligands, including VEGF agonists and antagonists, in the treatment of disorders, including cancer, by modulating vasculogenesis and angiogenesis.
A method for inhibiting angiogenesis and/or vasculogenesis in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of an organic compound that inhibits the tyrosine phosphorylation of FLK-1 effected by VEGF binding to FLK-1.
A method for inhibiting angiogenesis and/or vasculogenesis in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of an organic compound that inhibits VEGF binding to FLK-1.
A method of treating a disease which is associated with VEGF and/or FLK-1 mediated proliferation of blood vessels in a mammal, comprising administering to said mammal a therapeutically effective amount of an organic compound that inhibits the tyrosine phosphorylation of FLK-1 effected by VEGF binding to FLK-1.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.