Press Release / Health and Fitness / New compounds inhibit tumor angiogenesis through potent autophagy activation

New compounds inhibit tumor angiogenesis through potent autophagy activation

Two recent studies demonstrate that natural activators of autophagy (Ery5 and convallatoxin) inhibit angiogenesis. Ery5 treatment

inhibited angiogenesis, reduced HUVEC tube formation and induced cancer cell death .
Convallatoxin (CNT), a natural small molecule

isolated from Antiaris toxicaria, potently induced autophagy in HUVECs, while inhibiting angiogenesis and cell growth .

Interestingly, treatment with VEGF blocked Ery5-induced autophagy and significantly increased cancer cell viability, suggesting

VEGF may play a role in counteracting autophagy to maintain tumor growth.
These results may open a new field of research exploring

how VEGF protects certain types of tumor cells from autophagy-induced cell death. As new research develops potential therapies may

begin to focus on a combination of drugs that activates autophagy while inhibiting VEGF pathways.