The role of endothelial progenitor cells in tumour vasculogenesis.
Affiliation
Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing University, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China. drdingyitao@sina.com.cnIssue Date
2008
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
OBJECTIVE: To review the biological behaviour of endothelial progenitor cells and their role and significance in tumour vasculogenesis. DATA SOURCES: The data in this review were mainly from Medline and PubMed for the relevant articles in English published from March, 1997, to March, 2008. The search terms were 'endothelial progenitor cells' (EPCs) and 'neoplasm'. Articles about the biological behaviour of EPCs and their roles in tumour vasculogenesis were included. RESULTS: EPCs, whose characteristics are similar to those of endothelial cells (ECs) and stem cells, contribute to tumour vasculogenesis during tumour progression. The mobilisation, recruitment, homing and incorporation of EPCs into tumours are multi-step and multi-factor events during tumour vasculogenesis. This complex process requires the participation of many growth factors and cells, such as tumour cells, ECs, stromal cells and EPCs in the tumour microenvironment. However, there is still some debate about EPC distribution, contribution, origin and differentiation in tumour vasculogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: The characterisation of tumour-associated EPCs may provide valuable clues for more specific anti-angiogenesis therapy and/or tumour diagnosis. Many challenges remain in understanding definition, differentiation, mobilisation and recruitment of EPCs.Citation
The role of endothelial progenitor cells in tumour vasculogenesis. 2008, 75 (5):265-73 PathobiologyJournal
PathobiologyDOI
10.1159/000151706PubMed ID
18931528Type
ArticleLanguage
enISSN
1423-0291ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1159/000151706