Regulation of angiogenesis and vascular permeability by Src family kinases: opportunities for therapeutic treatment of solid tumors

Aberrant expression or activation of protein tyrosine kinases, including Src and related Src family kinases, is a common occurrence in many human cancers, resulting in deregulation of expression of numerous mediators of cellular functions, including pro-angiogenic molecules. In addition, Src activation regulates vascular permeability of endothelial cells. How these processes contribute to tumor progression and metastasis are the subjects of this review. As Src-selective inhibitors have entered clinical trials for a number of solid tumors, further understanding of the roles of Src kinases in mediating tumor angiogenesis as well as modulating tumor/microenvironment interactions will provide insights into the best use of these inhibitors in treating patients afflicted with tumors in which Src is activated.