Lymphangiogenesis factors: a target for therapy?

deposition and degradation. Local fibrin deposition and fibrinolysis are found at sites of wound healing and tissue remodeling. At these sites, the induction of apoptosis by fibrin degradation products could facilitate the clearance of damaged cells. Cross-linked fibrin is also a component of the matrix of most cancers,5 and degradation of fibrin by plasmin generated in the vicinity of tumor cells could support tumor cell apoptosis. The work of Guo et al, which focuses mainly on structural requirements of the proapoptotic molecule, not only raises many new questions related to the intracellular pathway–mediating apoptosis but also represents the basis for many new studies analyzing the physiologic relevance of apoptosis induction by fibrin degradation products. Conflict-of-interest disclosure: The author declares no competing financial interests. ■