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Scatter factor expression and regulation in human glial tumors
E M Rosen1, J Laterra, A Joseph
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New Hyde Park, NY, USA.
International Journal of Cancer
|July 17, 1996
Summary
Scatter factor (SF), also known as hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), drives malignant glioma growth and angiogenesis. SF-dependent cell interactions contribute to the aggressive nature of these brain tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Scatter factor (SF), also known as hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), is a cytokine implicated in cell motility and angiogenesis.
- SF is recognized as a potential determinant of the malignant phenotype in systemic cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and role of SF in human gliomas.
- To explore SF-mediated interactions between glioma cells and neural microvascular endothelial cells (NMVEC).
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to detect SF and its receptor (c-met) in human glioblastoma tissues.
- In vitro studies assessed SF production by cultured glioblastoma cells and NMVECs.
- Conditioned media (CM) assays were performed to identify SF-inducing factors (SF-IF).
Main Results:
- Elevated SF levels were detected in human gliomas, with the highest concentrations in malignant tumors.
- Both glioblastoma cells and NMVECs produced biologically active SF.
- SF stimulated the proliferation of both cell types, indicating paracrine and autocrine signaling.
- Glioma and endothelial cells produced SF-inducing factors that modulated SF production in a reciprocal manner.
Conclusions:
- SF plays a significant role in the proliferation and angiogenesis of malignant gliomas.
- SF-dependent interactions between glioma cells and the tumor endothelium contribute to the complex phenotype of these cancers.
- Targeting SF signaling may offer a therapeutic strategy for managing malignant gliomas.