Figure 3.

FGF‐2 in tumour angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. VEGF‐A/C/D and FGF‐2 are commonly expressed in various tumour tissues and their expression levels have been correlated with tumour growth, progression, and metastasis. The receptors of VEGF‐A, VEGFR‐1 (Flt‐1) and VEGFR‐2 (KDR/Flk‐1) could induce proliferation, migration and vessel formation of HUVECs.57, 66 Furthermore, the activation of VEGF‐C/VEGFR‐3 signalling results in lymphangiogenesis, and VEGFR‐3‐induced tip formation is a prerequisite for FGF‐2‐stimulated lymphangiogenesis. Moreover, significant new insights such as transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) regulate the growth and remodelling of lymphatic vessels. FGF‐2 stimulates the sprouting of vascular ECs and LECs (lymphatic endothelial cells) which are isolated from human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs). Vascular ECs and LECs independently induces angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis