Gene expression of angiogenesis related factors in glioma

Angiogenesis plays an important role in growth and proliferation of cancer. Various angiogenic and angiostatic factors regulate angiogenesis. In this study, we examined gene expression of the angiopoietin family including ang iopoietin 1 (Ang1) and angiopoietin 2 (Ang2) in 39 gliomas and 5 gliomaxeno grafts by RT-PCR. Ang1 and Ang2 genes were expressed in 54%, and 77% of gli omas, respectively. The expression of Ang1 was significantly correlated wit h the expression of Ang2. Both Ang1 and Ang2 were shown to be expressed in the glioma cells. Ang2 gene expression was correlated with VEGF gene expres sion. Angiopoietin molecules may synergistically cooperate in growth and va scularization in glioma.