Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Assessing Tumor Microenvironment of Metastasis Doorway-Mediated Vascular Permeability Associated with Cancer Cell Dissemination using Intravital Imaging and Fixed Tissue Analysis
09:42

Assessing Tumor Microenvironment of Metastasis Doorway-Mediated Vascular Permeability Associated with Cancer Cell Dissemination using Intravital Imaging and Fixed Tissue Analysis

Published on: June 26, 2019

The angiopoietin/Tie2 axis mediates malignant pleural effusion formation

Charalampos Moschos1, Ioannis Psallidas, Androniki Kollintza

  • 1Applied Biomedical Research & Training Center Marianthi Simou, Athens, Greece.

Neoplasia (New York, N.Y.)
|February 27, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Blocking the angiopoietin/Tie2 axis significantly reduced malignant pleural effusion (MPE) fluid and tumor growth in mice. This pathway is crucial in MPE development, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Angiopoietins and Tie2 receptor are key in angiogenesis, vascular permeability, and inflammation.
  • These processes are central to the pathogenesis of malignant pleural effusions (MPEs).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of the angiopoietin/Tie2 axis in the development of MPEs.
  • To evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting this axis in MPE models.

Main Methods:

  • MPE was induced in C57BL/6 mice using intrapleural adenocarcinoma cells.
  • Mice received intraperitoneal injections of MuTekdeltaFc (a soluble Tie2 receptor) or vehicle control.
  • MuTekdeltaFc disrupts angiopoietin-Tie2 interactions.

Main Results:

  • Treatment significantly reduced pleural fluid volume and pleural tumor foci by over 40%.
  • Blockade downregulated tumor angiogenesis, vascular permeability, inflammation, and VEGF/IL-6 levels.
  • Tumor cell apoptosis was induced in treated animals.

Conclusions:

  • The angiopoietin/Tie2 axis plays a significant role in MPE pathogenesis.
  • Targeting this pathway warrants further investigation for MPE treatment in patients.

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