SCIENTIFIC BACKGROUND. Tumors rely on angiogenesis to grow and metastasize, and angiogenesis inhibitors have demonstrated clinical benefit in patients with cancer. CD105 is a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-b) receptor family that is selectively expressed by proliferating endothelial cells and is essential for endothelial cell proliferation. Expression of CD105 is induced by cellular hypoxia through hypoxia-inducible factor-1-. CD105 is highly expressed on tumor vessel endothelium of all types of solid cancer and exerts its effect by modulating the signaling of multiple TGF-b receptor signaling complexes. In the absence of CD105, TGF- b receptor activation inhibits endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis. However, in the presence of CD105, TGF-b receptor signaling is modified to promote endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis.
Appears in 2 contracts
Sources: Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (Tracon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.), Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (Tracon Pharmaceuticals Inc)