Vasculogenic mimicry: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 00:43, 10 February 2025

A phenomenon where cancer cells form blood vessel-like structures

Vasculogenic mimicry is a process by which aggressive cancer cells form vessel-like networks, allowing tumors to obtain nutrients and oxygen independently of traditional blood vessels. This phenomenon is particularly noted in melanoma, but has also been observed in other types of cancer.

Discovery and Definition[edit]

Vasculogenic mimicry was first described in 1999 by Maniotis et al., who observed that aggressive melanoma cells could form patterned networks resembling blood vessels. Unlike traditional angiogenesis, where new blood vessels are formed from pre-existing ones, vasculogenic mimicry involves the formation of these structures by tumor cells themselves.

Mechanism[edit]

The mechanism of vasculogenic mimicry involves the expression of genes typically associated with endothelial cells by tumor cells. These cancer cells can form extracellular matrix-rich channels that facilitate the flow of blood and nutrients. Key signaling pathways implicated in this process include the VEGF and Notch pathways.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Vasculogenic mimicry is associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. It is often linked to increased tumor aggressiveness, metastasis, and resistance to conventional therapies. Understanding this process is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies targeting these unique vascular structures.

Research and Implications[edit]

Research into vasculogenic mimicry is ongoing, with studies focusing on its role in various cancers, including breast cancer and glioblastoma. Targeting the molecular pathways involved in vasculogenic mimicry holds potential for novel cancer treatments.

Related pages[edit]

References[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Vasculogenic mimicry''' (VM) is a phenomenon where tumor cells mimic endothelial cells to form [[blood vessel]]-like structures. This process allows tumors to create their own [[blood supply]], contributing to tumor growth and metastasis. Vasculogenic mimicry challenges the traditional view that [[angiogenesis]] (the growth of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels) is the sole mechanism of tumor vascularization. VM has been observed in various types of [[cancer]], including [[melanoma]], [[breast cancer]], [[ovarian cancer]], and [[glioblastoma]].
+{{Short description|A phenomenon where cancer cells form blood vessel-like structures}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
+'''Vasculogenic mimicry''' is a process by which aggressive cancer cells form vessel-like networks, allowing tumors to obtain nutrients and oxygen independently of traditional blood vessels. This phenomenon is particularly noted in [[melanoma]], but has also been observed in other types of [[cancer]].
+==Discovery and Definition==
+Vasculogenic mimicry was first described in 1999 by Maniotis et al., who observed that aggressive melanoma cells could form patterned networks resembling blood vessels. Unlike traditional [[angiogenesis]], where new blood vessels are formed from pre-existing ones, vasculogenic mimicry involves the formation of these structures by tumor cells themselves.
 ==Mechanism==
-Vasculogenic mimicry involves the differentiation of aggressive tumor cells into endothelial-like cells. These cells then organize into tubular structures that mimic blood vessels, facilitating the perfusion of the tumor mass. The process is regulated by various [[gene]]s and signaling pathways, including the [[VEGF]] pathway, [[PI3K/AKT pathway]], and the [[EphA2]] receptor. The extracellular matrix also plays a crucial role in VM, with components like [[laminin]] and [[collagen]] being integral to the structure of the mimicry channels.
+The mechanism of vasculogenic mimicry involves the expression of genes typically associated with endothelial cells by tumor cells. These cancer cells can form extracellular matrix-rich channels that facilitate the flow of blood and nutrients. Key signaling pathways implicated in this process include the [[VEGF]] and [[Notch signaling pathway|Notch]] pathways.
 ==Clinical Significance==
-Vasculogenic mimicry is associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients, as it contributes to tumor growth, invasion, and [[metastasis]]. VM's presence in tumors is considered a marker of high tumor grade and aggressiveness. Furthermore, because VM can provide an alternative blood supply to tumors, it may contribute to resistance against anti-angiogenic therapies, which target traditional blood vessel growth.
+Vasculogenic mimicry is associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. It is often linked to increased tumor aggressiveness, metastasis, and resistance to conventional therapies. Understanding this process is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies targeting these unique vascular structures.
-==Research and Therapeutic Implications==
+==Research and Implications==
-Understanding the mechanisms underlying vasculogenic mimicry could lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway. Inhibiting VM could potentially improve the efficacy of cancer treatments by cutting off an alternative blood supply to tumors. Research is ongoing to identify specific inhibitors of VM and to understand how VM integrates with other tumor vascularization mechanisms.
+Research into vasculogenic mimicry is ongoing, with studies focusing on its role in various cancers, including [[breast cancer]] and [[glioblastoma]]. Targeting the molecular pathways involved in vasculogenic mimicry holds potential for novel cancer treatments.
-==See Also==
+==Related pages==
 * [[Angiogenesis]]
-* [[Cancer]]
-* [[Metastasis]]
 * [[Tumor microenvironment]]
+* [[Cancer metastasis]]
+==References==
+{{Reflist}}
-[[Category:Oncology]]
+[[File:Vascular_mimicry_melanoma_staining.jpg|thumb|Vascular mimicry in melanoma staining]]
-[[Category:Pathophysiology]]
+[[File:Types_of_Tumor_Angiogenesis.jpg|thumb|Different types of tumor angiogenesis]]
+[[File:Vascular_mimicry_formation.webp|thumb|Formation of vascular mimicry structures]]
+[[File:Vascular_mimicry_and_angiogenesis.png|thumb|Comparison of vascular mimicry and angiogenesis]]
+[[File:Vasculogenic_mimicry_signaling_pathways.jpg|thumb|Signaling pathways involved in vasculogenic mimicry]]
+[[File:Breast_cancer_image.webp|thumb|Breast cancer cells]]
+[[File:Glioblastoma_multiforme.jpg|thumb|Glioblastoma multiforme]]
-{{cancer-stub}}
+[[Category:Cancer]]
+[[Category:Angiogenesis]]