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Pericytes in sarcomas of bone
Le Chang1, Vi Nguyen, Alan Nguyen
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave., 13-145 CHS, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
Medical Oncology (Northwood, London, England)
|June 17, 2015
Summary
Pericytes are crucial cells in bone sarcomas like Ewing's sarcoma. Understanding their role in tumor blood vessel growth could lead to new sarcoma treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Vascular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Pericytes are mesenchymal cells that ensheath small blood vessels.
- They play a significant role in vascular biology and angiogenesis, particularly in cancer.
- Pericytes are known to interact with bone sarcomas, including Ewing's sarcoma, osteosarcoma, and chondrosarcoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the known functions of pericytes in the tumor microenvironment.
- To highlight the importance of pericytes in bone sarcomas, with a focus on Ewing's sarcoma.
- To explore the potential therapeutic implications of pericyte biology in sarcoma treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pericyte interactions in bone sarcomas.
- Analysis of signaling pathways involved in pericyte function in Ewing's sarcoma (Notch, PDGF/PDGFR-β, VEGF).
Main Results:
- Ewing's sarcoma exhibits a prominent perivascular growth pattern, indicating significant pericyte involvement.
- Key signaling pathways (Notch, PDGF/PDGFR-β, VEGF) are important in intratumoral pericytes within Ewing's sarcoma.
Conclusions:
- Pericytes are vital components of the tumor microenvironment in bone sarcomas.
- Further understanding of pericyte biology is essential for developing novel therapeutic strategies for sarcomas.
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