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Isolation of Human Endothelial Cells from Normal Colon and Colorectal Carcinoma - An Improved Protocol
Published on: April 4, 2018
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Endothelial cells in colorectal cancer
Wu-Zhen Chen1, Jing-Xin Jiang1, Xiu-Yan Yu1
1Department of Surgical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China.
World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology
|December 5, 2019
Summary
Tumor angiogenesis, driven by vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), is crucial for colorectal cancer (CRC) growth and metastasis. Tumor-associated endothelial cells (TECs) play a key role in CRC progression and immune remodeling.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Tumor growth heavily relies on neovascularization, a critical process in tumorigenesis, growth, and metastasis.
- Tumor-associated endothelial cells (TECs) are increasingly recognized for their significant roles in colorectal cancer (CRC) development, including epithelial proliferation, stem cell maintenance, angiogenesis, and immune remodeling.
- Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their receptors are central to tumor angiogenesis and are primary targets for anti-angiogenesis therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristics of tumor vasculature and the multifaceted roles of TECs in various stages of CRC.
- To elucidate the biological effects of VEGFs and their receptor family in regulating angiogenesis.
- To highlight the clinical implications of TECs in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on tumor angiogenesis, TECs, and VEGF signaling in colorectal cancer.
- Analysis of existing research on the molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis and its role in CRC.
- Synthesis of information regarding the clinical significance of TECs and VEGFs in CRC treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- VEGFs and their receptors are key regulators of tumor angiogenesis, with overexpression correlating with poor prognosis in CRC.
- TECs contribute to CRC progression through mechanisms involving epithelial proliferation, stem cell maintenance, angiogenesis, and immune modulation.
- Understanding TECs and VEGF signaling provides insights into potential therapeutic targets for CRC.
Conclusions:
- Tumor angiogenesis, mediated by TECs and VEGF signaling, is a fundamental aspect of colorectal cancer progression.
- Targeting TECs and VEGF pathways holds significant promise for developing effective anti-cancer therapies for CRC.
- Further research into the complex interactions within the tumor microenvironment, particularly involving TECs, is essential for advancing CRC treatment.
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