Instructive role of the vascular niche in promoting tumour growth and tissue repair by angiocrine factors.

ABSTRACT: The precise mechanisms whereby anti-angiogenesis therapy blocks tumour growth or causes vascular toxicity are unknown. We propose that endothelial cells establish a vascular niche that promotes tumour growth and tissue repair not only by delivering nutrients and O2 but also through an 'angiocrine' mechanism by producing stem and progenitor cell-active trophogens. Identification of endothelial-derived instructive angiocrine factors will allow direct tumour targeting, while diminishing the unwanted side effects associated with the use of anti-angiogenic agents.

SUBMITTER: Butler JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2944775 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature