Current focus of research:
- Pharmacological studies on the mechanisms involved in angiogenesis and tumour growth in vitro and in vivo. Evaluation of new compounds or nanoparticles for their anti-angiogenic and anti-tumour activity.
- Determination of the biological actions of the heparin-binding growth factor pleiotrophin (PTN). Effects on angiogenesis, proliferation, migration, tumour growth in vitro and in vivo, apoptosis and metastasis.
- The role of PTN in bone cell biology.
- Identification of important domains on PTN. Structure-function studies.
- Establishment of PTN receptors, among which RPTPβ/ζ. Elucidation of the role of RPTPβ/ζ in angiogenesis and tumour growth.
- Cross-talk of PTN and its receptors with other molecules and pathways, such as FGF-2, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide and VEGF (see ALTangioTARGET).
Funding bodies: