Tumor angiogenesis in mice and men
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Updated: Aug 24, 2026
Transfer of Manipulated Tumor-associated Neutrophils into Tumor-Bearing Mice to Study their Angiogenic Potential In Vivo
Published on: July 20, 2019
Rhoda M Alani1, Courtney F Silverthorn, Kate Orosz
1The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231-1000, USA. ralani@jhmi.edu
Abstract:
Over the past decade much research has focused on understanding the molecular pathways that regulate the development of a tumor-associated vasculature. In 1999, Lyden and colleagues showed that mice deficient in one to three Id1 or Id3 alleles could not support the growth of tumor xenografts due to defects in tumor-associated angiogenesis. Three recently published manuscripts have now re-examined the role of Id genes in the development of a tumor-associated vasculature using more clinically relevant tumor model systems. Remarkably, all three studies have found strikingly different results compared to the original xenograft data published in 1999. Below we review the current understanding of the role of Id genes in the development of a tumor-associated vasculature given the most recent data and suggest ways in which animal tumor model systems might be put to better use to provide more clinically relevant information.
Insights
Id genes play a crucial role in tumor angiogenesis. Recent studies using clinically relevant models show different results than earlier xenograft data, prompting a re-evaluation of their function in tumor vasculature development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Extensive research has explored molecular pathways regulating tumor-associated vasculature development.
- Previous studies in 1999 indicated Id1/Id3 gene deficiency impairs tumor xenograft growth via defective angiogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of Id gene roles in tumor vasculature development.
- To reconcile conflicting data from recent studies with earlier findings.
- To suggest improvements for clinically relevant animal tumor model systems.
Main Methods:
- Review of three recent publications examining Id gene function in tumor vasculature.
- Comparison of findings with original 1999 xenograft data.
- Analysis of data from clinically relevant tumor model systems.
Main Results:
- Three recent studies report significantly different findings compared to the 1999 xenograft data.
- The role of Id genes in tumor-associated angiogenesis appears more complex than initially suggested.
- New data challenges the original conclusions regarding Id gene necessity for tumor vascularization.
Conclusions:
- The function of Id genes in tumor vasculature development requires re-evaluation based on recent findings.
- Clinically relevant tumor models provide critical insights that differ from traditional xenografts.
- Optimizing animal tumor models is essential for generating more translatable research findings.
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