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Review
. 2003 Jan 27;88(2):163-6.
doi: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6700750.

Endothelin-1: a multifunctional molecule in cancer

K Grant  1 , M Loizidou, I Taylor
Affiliations
Review

Endothelin-1: a multifunctional molecule in cancer

K Grant et al. Br J Cancer. .

Abstract

Endothelin-1 is a small vasoconstrictor peptide that was first identified in 1988. Here we review the evidence implicating ET-1 in tumorigenesis. In particular, we concentrate on the role of ET-1 in mitogenesis, apoptosis, angiogenesis, tumour invasion and metastasis, and discuss the potential for endothelin-system modulation as an adjuvant therapeutic strategy.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Biosynthesis of ET-1. The signal peptide (grey box) is cleaved from the amino terminus of the 212 amino-acid precursor molecule to generate pre-pro ET-1. Further cleavage, via furin-like endopeptidases including endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE), results in the generation of mature ET-1.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Actions of endothelin-1 in cancer.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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