Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of ligands for the FLK-1 receptor for the modulation of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. The invention s 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.

Abstract: Described are recombinant DNA molecules comprising the regulatory sequences of an intron of the Endothelial Growth Factor (VFGF) receptor-2 gene (Flk-1) or of a gene homologous to the Flk-1 gene, being capable of conferring expression of a heterologous DNA sequence in endothelial cells, preferably in vivo. Vectors comprising said DNA molecules as well as host cells containing the same are provided. Also provided are pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions comprising such recombinant DNA molecules and vectors. Furthermore, cells and transgenic non-human animals, comprising the aforementioned recombinant DNA molecules or vectors stably integrated into their genome and their use for the identification of substances capable of suppressing or activating transcription of a gene in endothelial cells are described.

Abstract: Described are recombinant DNA molecules comprising the regulatory sequence(s) of an intron of the Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) receptor-2 gene (Flk-1) or of a gene homologous to the Flk-1 gene, being capable of conferring expression of a heterologous DNA sequence in endothelial cells, preferably in vivo. Vectors comprising said DNA molecules as well as host cells containing the same are provided. Also provided are pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions comprising such recombinant DNA molecules and vectors. Furthermore, cells and transgenic non-human animals, comprising the aforementioned recombinant DNA molecules or vectors stably integrated into their genome and their use for the identification of substances capable of suppressing or activating transcription of a gene in endothelial cells are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of ligands for the FLK-1 receptor for the modulation of 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of ligands for the FLK-1 receptor for the modulation of 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 truncated 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of ligands for the FLK-1 receptor for the modulation of 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of ligands for the FLK-1 receptor for the modulation of 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.

Abstract: In order to isolate an inhibitor of the proliferation of endothelial cells from the tissue of vertebrates the tissue selected as the starting material e.g. embryonic tissue or adult brain tissue from birds or mammals, is centrifuged, homogenized and subsequently the tissue extract is applied to a cation exchanger and the substances which bind to the cation exchanger are subjected to a fractionation, the active fractions are separated by gel filtration chromatography and they are purified by reverse phase HPLC. The new inhibitor obtained in this way is suitable for treating disease states in which an inhibition of capillary growth is necessary such as for the treatment of tumors, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic retinopathy and retrolental fibroplasia and for treating wounds in order to regulate the regeneration of blood vessels.

Abstract: Protein which acts as an inhibitor of the proliferation of endothelial ce which is obtainable from baby hamster kidney cells (ATCC CCL 10) and has a molecular weight between 60 and 100 kD in gel filtration under native conditions and is thermally stable at 60.degree. C., as well as a process for its isolation and its use in the treatment of diseases.