Scientists find protein that inhibits blood vessel growth

Researchers from Sweden’s Uppsala University, collaborating with colleagues from Germany, Finland and Norway, have identified that a protein known to inhibit the growth of blood vessels is present in human tissue.

The discovery is particularly relevant to the treatment of cancer, as the growth of tumours is accelerated by the network of new blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to them. Subsequently, angiogenesis, the development of new blood vessels, is accelerated in cancer patients. Previous research on mice determined that histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG), a naturally present plasma protein, inhibited angiogenesis and tumour growth. The team, lead by research fellow Anna-Karin Olsson, found that the HRG fragment binds itself to blood vessels in those with highly activated blood platelets, such as cancer patients, but not in healthy humans.
“The activated platelets create a microenvironment in which the HRG fragment is able to function as an angiogenesis inhibitor,” explains Olsson.

The discovery opens new doors for the development of drugs that could potentially use HRG to inhibit the growth of blood vessels around tumours.

For more information, contact Anna-Karin Olsson at Anna-Karin.Olsson@imbim.uu.se

Published: Wednesday, 11th November 2009