A tumor cannot grow to be very large without the development of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) to provide access to oxygen and nutrients. During the 1990s, it was discovered that Factor X stimulates the proliferation and migration of the cells that form blood vessels, thereby inducing the formation of new blood vessels. Factor X binds to specific receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) on the cell surface and causes the RTKs to dimerize and become active, initiating an intracellular signaling cascade that stimulates cell division and inhibits apoptosis. Many cancer cells secrete high levels of Factor X, and increased Factor X expression in a tumor is correlated with a poor medical outcome for the patient. Some evidence suggests that blocking Factor X-dependent signaling may prevent the formation of new blood vessels and lead to the death of immature blood vessels without disturbing mature blood vessels. You work for a biotechnology company that seeks to create anticancer drugs that prevent the growth of tumors and/or cause tumors to shrink, while leaving normal cells relatively untouched. After learning about Factor X, you have a bright idea for a new mechanism of action for a potential anticancer drug. Describe in 1-2 sentences each two possible ways you could block angiogenesis based on what you know about Factor X signaling?
A tumor cannot grow to be very large without the development of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) to provide access to oxygen and nutrients. During the 1990s, it was discovered that Factor X stimulates the proliferation and migration of the cells that form blood vessels, thereby inducing the formation of new blood vessels. Factor X binds to specific receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) on the cell surface and causes the RTKs to dimerize and become active, initiating an intracellular signaling cascade that stimulates cell division and inhibits apoptosis. Many cancer cells secrete high levels of Factor X, and increased Factor X expression in a tumor is correlated with a poor medical outcome for the patient.
Some evidence suggests that blocking Factor X-dependent signaling may prevent the formation of new blood vessels and lead to the death of immature blood vessels without disturbing mature blood vessels. You work for a
Describe in 1-2 sentences each two possible ways you could block angiogenesis based on what you know about Factor X signaling?
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