The VEGF-C/Flt-4 Axis Promotes Invasion and Metastasis of Cancer Cells

摘要: Flt-4, a VEGF receptor, is activated by its specific ligand, VEGF-C. The resultant signaling pathway promotes angiogenesis and/or lymphangiogenesis. This report provides evidence that the VEGF-C/Flt-4 axis enhances cancer cell mobility and invasiveness contributes to promotion of metastasis. VEGF-C/Flt-4-mediated invasion metastasis cells were found require upregulation neural adhesion molecule contactin-1 through activation Src-p38 MAPK-C/EBP-dependent pathway. Examination tumor tissues from various types cancers revealed high levels Flt-4 VEGF-C expression correlated closely with clinical patient survival. axis, contactin-1, may regulate invasive capacity in different cells.