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A Matrigel-Based Tube Formation Assay to Assess the Vasculogenic Activity of Tumor Cells
Published on: September 7, 2011
Does vasculogenic mimicry exist in astrocytoma?
Wei-Ying Yue1, Zhong-Ping Chen
1Department of Neurosurgery and Neuro-oncology, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China 510060.
Abstract:
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) has been observed in melanoma and in some nonmelanoma tumor types. It is unknown whether a similar VM phenomenon exists in astrocytoma. The present study was to examine 45 astrocytomas (including World Health Organization grade II 15 cases, grade III 15 cases, and grade IV 15 cases) by CD34 endothelial marker periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) dual staining to see if VM existing in these tumors. The results demonstrated that endothelium-lined vessels dominated the tumor microvasculature and stained positively for PAS, laminin, and endothelial marker. PAS-positive pattern of VM was found in two grade IV astrocytomas. Channels stained positively for PAS, laminin, and negatively for CD34 of the VM entrapped in the tumor tissue. Erythrocytes could be observed in some of these channels. In these networks of PAS-positive pattern, spots of weak reaction for CD34 were observed, suggesting the incorporation of VM channel and normal vessel. Furthermore, in astrocytoma, especially glioblastoma, focus of anaplastic tumor cells appeared with CD34 expression, whereas some tumor cells lost glial fibrillary acid protein expression. It is assumed that genetically deregulated tumor cells in astrocytoma could lose the astrocyte-specific protein and express inappropriate markers not expected in cells of astrocyte lineage. The present results suggest that VM phenomenon exists in some malignant astrocytoma.
Insights
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM), a tumor vascularization pattern, was investigated in astrocytomas. This study found evidence of VM in high-grade astrocytomas, suggesting a novel vascularization mechanism in these brain tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Tumor Microenvironment
Background:
- Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a tumor vascularization mechanism observed in various cancers, including melanoma.
- The presence and significance of VM in astrocytomas, a type of brain tumor, remain largely unexplored.
- Understanding tumor vascularization is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies in neuro-oncology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the existence of vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in astrocytomas of different World Health Organization (WHO) grades.
- To characterize the histological features of potential VM in astrocytoma tissues.
- To explore the expression patterns of endothelial and glial markers in relation to VM.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 45 astrocytoma samples (15 each of WHO grade II, III, and IV).
- Dual staining using CD34 (endothelial marker) and Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) to identify vascular structures.
- Immunohistochemical assessment for laminin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression.
Main Results:
- Endothelium-lined vessels positive for PAS, laminin, and endothelial markers were observed in astrocytomas.
- A PAS-positive pattern consistent with vasculogenic mimicry (VM) was identified in two cases of grade IV astrocytoma (glioblastoma).
- These VM channels contained erythrocytes, stained positive for PAS and laminin, and negative for CD34, with some co-expression suggesting integration with normal vasculature. Anaplastic tumor cells in glioblastoma showed CD34 expression and loss of GFAP.
Conclusions:
- Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) phenomenon is present in a subset of malignant astrocytomas, particularly glioblastoma.
- Tumor cells in high-grade astrocytomas may exhibit altered marker expression, including CD34, and lose astrocyte-specific proteins.
- The findings suggest that VM may represent an alternative vascularization pathway in aggressive astrocytomas, impacting tumor biology and potentially treatment resistance.
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