Overview:

KDR (or kinase insert domain receptor) is a growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase that was originally isolated from human endothelial cells where it plays a pivotal role in endothelial cell proliferation and differentiation. KDR and its mouse homolog Flk1 bind VEGF with high affinity and are implicated in the development of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) (1). The expression levels of VEGF and KDR are highly correlated during the normal development of the ocular vasculature in humans (1). Induction of angiogenesis is a critical step in tumor progression, and inhibitors of KDR have been demonstrated both to induce tumor regression and reduce metastatic potential in preclinical models (2).

Gene Aliases:

FLK1; CD309; VEGFR; VEGFR2

Genbank Number:

NM_002253

References:

1. Neufeld, G. et al: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors. FASEB J. 1999 Jan;13(1):9-22.

2. Zhu, Z. et al: Inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis by targeting tumor-associated angiogenesis with antagonists to the receptors of vascular endothelial growth factor. Invest New Drugs. 1999;17(3):195-212.