Extracellular Matrix Proteins and Tumor Angiogenesis

[摘要] Tumor development is a complex process that relies on interaction and communicationbetween a number of cellular compartments. Much of the mass of a solid tumor is comprised ofthe stroma which is richly invested with extracellular matrix. Within this matrix are a host ofmatricellular proteins that regulate the expression and function of a myriad of proteins thatregulate tumorigenic processes. One of the processes that is vital to tumor growth andprogression is angiogenesis, or the formation of new blood vessels from preexisting vasculature. Within the extracellular matrix are structural proteins, a host of proteases, and resident pro- andantiangiogenic factors that control tumor angiogenesis in a tightly regulated fashion. This paper discusses the role that the extracellular matrix and ECM proteins play in the regulation of tumor angiogenesis.

[学科分类] 肿瘤学