Vasculogenic mimicry and tumour-cell plasticity: lessons from melanoma
MJC Hendrix, EA Seftor, AR Hess, REB Seftor - Nature reviews cancer, 2003 - nature.com
MJC Hendrix, EA Seftor, AR Hess, REB Seftor
Nature reviews cancer, 2003•nature.comThe gene-expression profile of aggressive cutaneous and uveal melanoma cells resembles
that of an undifferentiated, embryonic-like cell. The plasticity of certain types of cancer cell
could explain their ability to mimic the activities of endothelial cells and to participate in
processes such as neovascularization and the formation of a fluid-conducting, matrix-rich
meshwork. This ability has been termed'vasculogenic mimicry'. How does vasculogenic
mimicry contribute to tumour progression, and can it be targeted by therapeutic agents?
that of an undifferentiated, embryonic-like cell. The plasticity of certain types of cancer cell
could explain their ability to mimic the activities of endothelial cells and to participate in
processes such as neovascularization and the formation of a fluid-conducting, matrix-rich
meshwork. This ability has been termed'vasculogenic mimicry'. How does vasculogenic
mimicry contribute to tumour progression, and can it be targeted by therapeutic agents?
Abstract
The gene-expression profile of aggressive cutaneous and uveal melanoma cells resembles that of an undifferentiated, embryonic-like cell. The plasticity of certain types of cancer cell could explain their ability to mimic the activities of endothelial cells and to participate in processes such as neovascularization and the formation of a fluid-conducting, matrix-rich meshwork. This ability has been termed 'vasculogenic mimicry'. How does vasculogenic mimicry contribute to tumour progression, and can it be targeted by therapeutic agents?
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