Tumor-associated endothelial cell: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 23:46, 9 February 2025

Tumor-associated endothelial cell

Tumor-associated endothelial cells (TECs) are a specialized type of endothelial cell that line the blood vessels within tumors. These cells play a crucial role in tumor angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels form to supply nutrients and oxygen to the tumor, facilitating its growth and metastasis.

Characteristics

TECs differ from normal endothelial cells in several ways. They often exhibit abnormal morphology, such as irregular shapes and sizes, and have distinct genetic and protein expression profiles. These differences are thought to be induced by the unique tumor microenvironment, which includes hypoxia, acidic pH, and the presence of various growth factors and cytokines.

Function

The primary function of TECs is to support the growth and survival of tumors by forming new blood vessels. This process, known as angiogenesis, is critical for tumor progression. TECs respond to pro-angiogenic signals, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), by proliferating and migrating to form new vascular networks.

Role in Cancer Therapy

TECs are a target for anti-angiogenic therapies, which aim to inhibit the formation of new blood vessels and thus starve the tumor of nutrients and oxygen. Drugs such as bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody against VEGF, have been developed to target these cells. However, TECs can develop resistance to such therapies, necessitating the development of new strategies to effectively target them.

Visualization

{{#ev:video|https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3b/Visualization-of-tumor-related-blood-vessels-in-human-breast-by-photoacoustic-imaging-system-with-a-srep41970-s3.ogv%7Cthumb%7CVisualization of tumor-related blood vessels in human breast by photoacoustic imaging system}}

Advanced imaging techniques, such as photoacoustic imaging, have been employed to visualize TECs and the vasculature of tumors. These techniques provide valuable insights into the structure and function of tumor blood vessels, aiding in the development of targeted therapies.

Enhanced Permeation and Retention Effect

{{#ev:svg|https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4e/Enhanced_Permeation_and_Retention_%28EPR%29_effect.svg%7Cthumb%7CEnhanced Permeation and Retention (EPR) effect}}

The Enhanced Permeation and Retention (EPR) effect is a phenomenon observed in tumors where macromolecules and nanoparticles tend to accumulate more in tumor tissue than in normal tissues. This is due to the leaky vasculature and poor lymphatic drainage associated with TECs, making them a target for drug delivery systems designed to exploit the EPR effect.

Related pages

References

Folkman, J. (1971). "Tumor angiogenesis: therapeutic implications." *New England Journal of Medicine*, 285(21), 1182-1186.
Carmeliet, P., & Jain, R. K. (2000). "Angiogenesis in cancer and other diseases." *Nature*, 407(6801), 249-257.
Ferrara, N. (2004). "Vascular endothelial growth factor: basic science and clinical progress." *Endocrine Reviews*, 25(4), 581-611.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Tumor-associated endothelial cells''' (TECs) are a type of [[endothelial cell]] that line the [[blood vessels]] within [[tumors]]. These cells play a crucial role in [[tumor]] growth, progression, and the process of [[angiogenesis]], which is the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels. Unlike normal endothelial cells, TECs exhibit abnormal characteristics and behaviors due to the influence of the tumor microenvironment.
+== Tumor-associated endothelial cell ==
-==Characteristics of Tumor-associated Endothelial Cells==
+Tumor-associated endothelial cells (TECs) are a specialized type of [[endothelial cell]] that line the blood vessels within [[tumor]]s. These cells play a crucial role in [[tumor angiogenesis]], the process by which new blood vessels form to supply nutrients and oxygen to the tumor, facilitating its growth and metastasis.
-TECs differ from their normal counterparts in several ways. They often show increased rates of [[proliferation]], enhanced survival capabilities, and altered responses to [[angiogenic factors]]. Morphologically, TECs can display irregular shapes and sizes, and the blood vessels they form are typically disorganized and leaky. This abnormal vasculature contributes to the inefficient delivery of [[oxygen]] and [[nutrients]] to the tumor, creating a hypoxic environment that further drives tumor progression.
-==Role in Tumor Progression and Angiogenesis==
+== Characteristics ==
-The process of angiogenesis is critical for tumor growth beyond a certain size, as tumors require a blood supply to receive nutrients and oxygen. TECs are directly involved in this process, responding to angiogenic signals released by tumor cells. These signals include growth factors such as [[vascular endothelial growth factor]] (VEGF) and [[fibroblast growth factor]] (FGF), which stimulate the proliferation and migration of TECs, leading to the formation of new blood vessels.
-Furthermore, the abnormal characteristics of TECs contribute to the creation of a tumor microenvironment that is conducive to cancer progression. The leaky vessels formed by TECs facilitate the escape of tumor cells into the circulation, promoting [[metastasis]]. Additionally, the hypoxic conditions resulting from inefficient blood supply can lead to the selection of more aggressive tumor cells.
+TECs differ from normal endothelial cells in several ways. They often exhibit abnormal morphology, such as irregular shapes and sizes, and have distinct genetic and protein expression profiles. These differences are thought to be induced by the unique tumor microenvironment, which includes hypoxia, acidic pH, and the presence of various growth factors and cytokines.
-==Therapeutic Implications==
+== Function ==
-Given their role in tumor growth and progression, TECs are a target for [[cancer therapy]]. Strategies to inhibit tumor angiogenesis, such as the use of anti-VEGF therapies, aim to starve the tumor of its blood supply. However, the efficacy of these treatments is often limited by the development of resistance. Understanding the unique properties of TECs and their interactions with tumor cells may lead to the development of more effective therapies.
-==Research Directions==
+The primary function of TECs is to support the growth and survival of tumors by forming new blood vessels. This process, known as angiogenesis, is critical for tumor progression. TECs respond to pro-angiogenic signals, such as [[vascular endothelial growth factor]] (VEGF), by proliferating and migrating to form new vascular networks.
-Research on TECs focuses on elucidating their unique properties, how they differ from normal endothelial cells, and their interactions with tumor cells. Studies are also aimed at understanding the mechanisms of resistance to anti-angiogenic therapies and exploring new targets for inhibiting tumor angiogenesis.
+== Role in Cancer Therapy ==
+TECs are a target for anti-angiogenic therapies, which aim to inhibit the formation of new blood vessels and thus starve the tumor of nutrients and oxygen. Drugs such as [[bevacizumab]], a monoclonal antibody against VEGF, have been developed to target these cells. However, TECs can develop resistance to such therapies, necessitating the development of new strategies to effectively target them.
+== Visualization ==
+{{#ev:video|https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3b/Visualization-of-tumor-related-blood-vessels-in-human-breast-by-photoacoustic-imaging-system-with-a-srep41970-s3.ogv|thumb|Visualization of tumor-related blood vessels in human breast by photoacoustic imaging system}}
+Advanced imaging techniques, such as photoacoustic imaging, have been employed to visualize TECs and the vasculature of tumors. These techniques provide valuable insights into the structure and function of tumor blood vessels, aiding in the development of targeted therapies.
+== Enhanced Permeation and Retention Effect ==
+{{#ev:svg|https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4e/Enhanced_Permeation_and_Retention_%28EPR%29_effect.svg|thumb|Enhanced Permeation and Retention (EPR) effect}}
+The Enhanced Permeation and Retention (EPR) effect is a phenomenon observed in tumors where macromolecules and nanoparticles tend to accumulate more in tumor tissue than in normal tissues. This is due to the leaky vasculature and poor lymphatic drainage associated with TECs, making them a target for drug delivery systems designed to exploit the EPR effect.
+== Related pages ==
+* [[Angiogenesis]]
+* [[Cancer]]
+* [[Endothelial cell]]
+* [[Vascular endothelial growth factor]]
+== References ==
+* Folkman, J. (1971). "Tumor angiogenesis: therapeutic implications." *New England Journal of Medicine*, 285(21), 1182-1186.
+* Carmeliet, P., & Jain, R. K. (2000). "Angiogenesis in cancer and other diseases." *Nature*, 407(6801), 249-257.
+* Ferrara, N. (2004). "Vascular endothelial growth factor: basic science and clinical progress." *Endocrine Reviews*, 25(4), 581-611.
+[[Category:Cell biology]]
 [[Category:Cancer]]
-[[Category:Cell biology]]
-{{cancer-stub}}