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Modulation of tumor-induced angiogenesis by proteins of extracellular matrix
A M Eiján1, L Davel, S Oisgold-Dagá
1Departamento de Investigaciones, Instituto de Oncologia A.H. Roffo, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Abstract:
The formation of new vessels is a known event in enlarging tumors. Furthermore, the metastatic potential is abrogated or reduced markedly in the absence of neovascularization. Shedding of tumor cells into the circulation is not observed until vascularization has occurred. As a result, the interruption of neovascularization could be a good target for cancer control. This research was an attempt to see if two proteins present in extracellular matrix, collagen and fibronectin (FN), could modify the tumor-induced angiogenesis. The strong angiogenic response induced by S13 tumor cells in the skin of BALB/c mice was blocked by treatment with FN and FN-derived peptides. In contrast, collagen did not modify tumor-induced angiogenesis.
Insights
Blocking tumor angiogenesis with fibronectin (FN) peptides can inhibit cancer growth and metastasis. This study found that FN, but not collagen, effectively blocked tumor-induced blood vessel formation in mice, offering a potential cancer control strategy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Tumor growth and metastasis are dependent on the formation of new blood vessels (neovascularization).
- Inhibition of neovascularization can reduce or abrogate the metastatic potential of tumors.
- Tumor cell shedding into circulation requires prior vascularization, highlighting neovascularization as a critical step.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of extracellular matrix proteins, collagen and fibronectin (FN), in modulating tumor-induced angiogenesis.
- To determine if FN and its derived peptides can inhibit angiogenesis stimulated by S13 tumor cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a mouse model (BALB/c mice) with S13 tumor cells implanted in the skin.
- Administering fibronectin (FN) and FN-derived peptides to assess their effect on tumor angiogenesis.
- Administering collagen to assess its effect on tumor angiogenesis.
Main Results:
- Fibronectin (FN) and FN-derived peptides significantly blocked the strong angiogenic response induced by S13 tumor cells.
- Collagen treatment did not demonstrate any significant modification of tumor-induced angiogenesis.
- The study provides evidence for FN's anti-angiogenic properties in a tumor context.
Conclusions:
- Fibronectin (FN) and its peptides show potential as therapeutic agents to inhibit tumor angiogenesis.
- Targeting fibronectin-mediated pathways could be a viable strategy for cancer control by preventing neovascularization.
- Collagen does not appear to play a similar role in modulating tumor-induced angiogenesis in this model.