Microvascular transport and tumor cell adhesion in the microcirculation

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Physiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Tumor metastasis involves critical tumor cell adhesion to the endothelium.
• The vascular endothelium and its glycocalyx regulate material exchange and act as barriers.
• The interendothelial cleft is a primary pathway for transport and cell migration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review mathematical models of transport through the interendothelial cleft.
• To evaluate factors determining microvascular transport.
• To demonstrate how microvascular factors influence tumor cell adhesion.

Main Methods:

• Mathematical modeling of water and solute transport.
• Analysis of in vivo animal studies.
• Electron microscopic observations.
• Review of microvascular permeability, hydrodynamic factors, and cell adhesion molecules.

Main Results:

• Mathematical models and experimental data elucidate the role of endothelial glycocalyx, junction strands, and extracellular matrix in microvascular transport.
• Microvascular permeability, hydrodynamic forces, vessel geometry, and adhesion molecules significantly impact tumor cell adhesion.

Conclusions:

• Understanding microvascular transport mechanisms is crucial for comprehending tumor cell adhesion.
• Identifying determinants of tumor cell adhesion can inform novel therapeutic strategies against metastasis.