Abstract: The invention relates to the diagnostic and therapeutic uses of a miRNA molecule, an equivalent or a source thereof in a disease and condition associated with neo-angiogenesis.

Abstract: The invention relates to the diagnostic and therapeutic uses of a miRNA molecule, an equivalent or a source thereof in a disease and condition associated with neo-angiogenesis.

Abstract: Crucial to designing anti-angiogenic and vascular targeting approaches is the identification of specific target molecules. We compared transcriptional profiles of tumor endothelial cells with that of normal resting endothelial cells, normal but angiogenically activated placental endothelial cells, and cultured endothelial cells. Although the majority of transcripts were classified as general angiogenesis markers, we identified 17 genes that show specific overexpression in tumor endothelium. Antibody targeting of four cell-surface expressed or secreted products (vimentin, CD59, HMGB1 and IGFBP7) inhibited angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Finally, targeting endothelial vimentin in a mouse tumor model significantly inhibited tumor growth and reduced microvessel density. Our results demonstrate the utility of the identification and subsequent targeting of specific tumor endothelial markers for anticancer therapy.

Abstract: Methods of identifying specific target molecules for design of anti-angiogenic and vascular targeting approaches are disclosed. Transcriptional profiles of tumor endothelial cells were compared with that of normal resting endothelial cells, normal but angiogenically activated placental endothelial cells, and cultured endothelial cells. Although the majority of transcripts were classified as general angiogenesis markers, 17 genes were identified that show specific overexpression in tumor endothelium. Antibody targeting of four cell-surface expressed or secreted products (vimentin, CD59, HMGB1 and IGFBP7) inhibited angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Finally, targeting endothelial vimentin in a mouse tumor model significantly inhibited tumor growth and reduced microvessel density. The results demonstrate the utility of the identification and subsequent targeting of specific tumor endothelial markers for anticancer therapy.