VASCULAR REMODELING AND MOLECULAR-BIOLOGY - NEW CONCEPTS AND THERAPEUTIC POSSIBILITIES

1. Over the past decade major advances in molecular cell biology have greatly increased our understanding of the way in which many growth fa ctor genes are expressed and regulated. This knowledge is currently be ing translated into investigations of the cardiovascular system. 2. Tw o growth factor families appear to play particularly important roles, the fibroblast growth factors and the transforming growth factors-beta . These are multifunctional growth factors capable of remodelling the vasculature through their effects on cell migration, proliferation and matrix formation. 3. An understanding of their regulation, properties and nature of their receptors is providing novel insights into the ph ysiology and pathobiology of the vasculature. It is also providing hig hly specific targets for future therapy.