Endoglin-Targeted Therapeutics in Vascular Biology
Summary
Endoglin (CD105) is a transmembrane glycoprotein and auxiliary receptor for transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family ligands, highly expressed on proliferating endothelial cells. It modulates signalling through TGF-β1, TGF-β3 and bone morphogenetic proteins such as BMP9, thereby influencing angiogenesis, vascular remodelling and endothelial homeostasis. Dysregulated endoglin expression or function underlies a spectrum of vascular disorders, from hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia to tumour hypervascularisation and metabolic-associated steatohepatitis. Therapeutic strategies have focused on monoclonal antibodies that bind endoglin to block pathogenic angiogenesis, on soluble endoglin as a biomarker and ligand trap, and on small-molecule or antibody-based modulation of endoglin–BMP9 interactions. Preclinical and early clinical studies demonstrate that endoglin-targeted agents can restore endothelial quiescence, reduce fibrosis and impede tumour neovascular networks while highlighting challenges related to receptor heterogeneity, off-target effects and the dynamic balance of pro- and anti-angiogenic signalling.
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Endoglin-Targeted Therapeutics in Vascular Biology publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in endoglin-targeted therapeutics in vascular biology across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Endoglin (CD105): A TGF-β co-receptor on endothelial cells that regulates angiogenesis and vascular remodelling.
Monoclonal antibody (mAb): A homogenous antibody engineered to bind a specific molecular target.
Soluble endoglin (sEng): The extracellular fragment of endoglin released into circulation that can modulate ligand availability.
BMP9: A member of the TGF-β superfamily critical for vascular quiescence and endothelial integrity.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): The most common primary liver malignancy, often characterised by aberrant angiogenesis.
References
- Anti-Endoglin monoclonal antibody prevents the progression of liver sinusoidal endothelial inflammation and fibrosis in MASH. Life Sciences (2025).
- Endoglin Requirement for BMP9 Signaling in Endothelial Cells Reveals New Mechanism of Action for Selective Anti-Endoglin Antibodies. PLOS ONE (2012).
- Role of Endoglin (CD105) in the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Anti-Angiogenic Therapy. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2018).
- Endoglin Is an Accessory Protein That Interacts with the Signaling Receptor Complex of Multiple Members of the Transforming Growth Factor-β Superfamily*. Journal of Biological Chemistry (1999).
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