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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
In Vivo Imaging and Quantitation of the Host Angiogenic Response in Zebrafish Tumor Xenografts
Published on: August 14, 2019
Zebrafish model: worth considering in defining tumor angiogenesis
Karni S Moshal1, Karine F Ferri-Lagneau, Tinchung Leung
1Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina Research Campus, Nutrition Research Center, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA.
Abstract:
The process of angiogenesis is essential for tumor progression and metastasis; however, antiangiogenesis therapy-induced hypoxia and inflammation are perhaps the driving force for tumor escape and metastasis formation, thereby compromising its efficacy. This warrants the complete understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of antiangiogenesis therapy and necessitates the identification of potential signaling events in the host microenvironment, which are involved in tumor angiogenesis and metastasis, to improve the treatment of cancer. In this context, the zebrafish/tumor xenograft model represents an emerging vertebrate system to study the correlation between tumor angiogenesis, inflammation, and metastasis and to better understand the modification of tumor microenvironment by antiangiogenesis therapy. This review article describes the necessity to study the microenvironment of host-tumor interface by introducing basic concepts of angiogenesis, emerging paradigms, and challenges of antiangiogenesis therapy and provides an update on the importance of the zebrafish/tumor xenograft model to address these issues.
Insights
Antiangiogenesis therapy can drive tumor metastasis by causing hypoxia and inflammation. Understanding the tumor microenvironment and utilizing zebrafish models are key to improving cancer treatment efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Developmental Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Angiogenesis is crucial for tumor growth and metastasis.
- Antiangiogenesis therapies can paradoxically promote tumor escape via hypoxia and inflammation.
- A deeper understanding of the tumor microenvironment is needed to overcome treatment resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the challenges and emerging paradigms in antiangiogenesis therapy.
- To highlight the importance of studying the host-tumor microenvironment.
- To introduce the zebrafish/tumor xenograft model for investigating tumor angiogenesis, inflammation, and metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on angiogenesis and antiangiogenesis therapy.
- Discussion of the molecular and cellular basis of tumor microenvironment modulation.
- Emphasis on the utility of the zebrafish/tumor xenograft model.
Main Results:
- Antiangiogenesis therapy can lead to tumor hypoxia and inflammation, driving metastasis.
- The host microenvironment plays a critical role in tumor progression and treatment response.
- The zebrafish model offers a unique system to study these complex interactions in vivo.
Conclusions:
- Complete understanding of antiangiogenesis therapy's impact on the tumor microenvironment is essential.
- Targeting signaling events in the host microenvironment can improve cancer treatment.
- The zebrafish/tumor xenograft model is a valuable tool for advancing cancer research.
