The role and therapeutic potential of endothelial progenitor cells in tumor neovascularization

Branislava Janic, Ali S. Arbab

Research output: Contribution to journalShort surveypeer-review

54 Scopus citations

Abstract

Although the cellular and molecular mechanisms of tumor growth and metastasis are not completely understood, it is established that formation and growth of new blood vessels is a conditio sine qua non for tumor survival, growth, and expansion. Numerous studies over the past decades demonstrated that neovascularization associated with tumor growth occurs via angiogenic and vasculogenic mechanisms that involve sprouting angiogenesis, intussusceptive angiogenesis, vessel co-option, vasculogenic mimicry, lymphangiogenesis, and the recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Due to their ability to self-renew, circulate, home to the ischemic sites, and differentiate into mature endothelial cells, EPCs hold enormous potential to be used as a diagnostic and/or therapeutic agent in antitumor therapies. Hence, this review focuses on EPCs and their role in tumor angiogenesis with the emphasis on EPC recruitment/migration, and the potential use of EPCs as a therapeutic tool and imaging probe.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1088-1099
Number of pages12
JournalTheScientificWorldJournal
Volume10
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 15 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Angiogenesis
  • Endothelial progenitor cells
  • Imaging probes
  • Tumor
  • Vasculogenesis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Environmental Science

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