The full-length forms of both growth factors bind the lymphangiogenic receptor VEGFR-3 but the mature forms do so with greater affinity (Joukov et al, 1997; Stacker et al, 1999), suggesting that the degree of proteolytic processing of VEGF-C and VEGF-D may in part determine the extent of lymphangiogenesis induced by these proteins in a tumour. The gene discussed is VEGFC; the disease is neoplasm.