VEGF-C (Vascular endothelial growth factor C, Flt4 ligand)

Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) is a member of the VEGF family of cytokines. It has been shown to exhibit angiogenic and lymphangiogenic actions. The VEGF family of growth factors and receptors is involved in the development and growth of the vascular endothelial system. Two of its family members, VEGF-C and VEGF-D, regulate the lymphatic endothelial cells via their receptor VEGFR3, thus acting as mitogens for these cells. VEGF-C expression is associated with hematological malignancies. Like VEGF it acts as survival factor on leukemia. Together with the expression of their receptors, VEGF and VEGF-C result in the generation of autocrine loops that may support cancer cell survival and proliferation. Further VEGF-C expression has been shown in gastrointestinal tract malignancies where it correlates with lymphatic invasion, lymphnode metastasis and reduced survival.