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Endothelial capillaries chemotactically attract tumour cells
C von Bülow1, W Hayen, A Hartmann
1Institut für Klinische Biochemie und Pathobiochemie der Universität Würzburg, Germany.
The Journal of Pathology
|March 10, 2001
Summary
Tumor cells attract endothelial cells weakly, but endothelial cells strongly attract tumor cells. Identifying these signaling molecules could help treat cancer metastasis.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Cancer research
- Angiogenesis
Background:
- Tumor-induced angiogenesis is crucial for tumor growth and metastasis.
- Chemotaxis is the established mechanism for directional cell movement.
- A reverse chemotactic pathway, where blood vessels attract tumor cells, is hypothesized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically investigate the chemotactic interactions between endothelial cells and tumor cells.
- To determine the directionality and strength of cell migration in response to each other.
- To explore potential therapeutic targets for inhibiting tumor metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized various endothelial cell types (HUVECs, PAECs) and tumor cell lines.
- Employed checkerboard analysis in 2D and 3D systems.
- Used a microcarrier-based fibrin gel assay to assess cell migration.
Main Results:
- Tumor cells exhibited weak attraction towards endothelial cells (HUVECs only).
- Endothelial cells (both PAECs and HUVECs) potently induced chemotactic migration of tumor cells.
- Endothelial cells demonstrated strong attraction towards tumor cells in 3D assays, while directional endothelial cell migration towards tumors was not observed.
Conclusions:
- Endothelial cells are potent chemoattractants for tumor cells, suggesting a significant role in metastasis.
- The reverse chemotaxis of tumor cells towards endothelial cells is a key finding.
- Identifying endothelium-derived chemotactic molecules offers a promising strategy for anti-metastasis therapies.