Genomic Interplay between Neoneurogenesis and Neoangiogenesis in Carcinogenesis: Therapeutic Interventions

Abstract

Angiogenesis, the generation of new blood vessels, is one of the hallmarks of cancer. The growing tumor requires nutrients and oxygen. Recent evidence has shown that tumors release signals to attract new nerve fibers and stimulate the growth of new nerve fibers. Neurogenesis, neural extension, and axonogenesis assist in the migration of cancer cells. Cancer cells can use both blood vessels and nerve fibers as routes for cells to move along. In this way, neurogenesis and angiogenesis both contribute to cancer metastasis. As a result, tumor-induced neurogenesis joins angiogenesis and immunosuppression as aberrant processes that are exacerbated within the tumor microenvironment. The relationship between these processes contributes to cancer development and progression. The interplay between these systems is brought about by cytokines, neurotransmitters, and neuromodulators, which activate signaling pathways that are common to angiogenesis and the nervous tissue. These include the AKT signaling pathways, the MAPK pathway, and the Ras signaling pathway. These processes also both require the remodeling of tissues. The interplay of these processes in cancer provides the opportunity to develop novel therapies that can be used to target these processes.

The Crosstalk between Nerves and Cancer—A Poorly Understood Phenomenon and New Possibilities

“…Neurogenesis, neural extension, and axonogenesis are routes for cancer cell dissemination [3]. Neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and immune reactions can be manipulated by cancer for growth and metastasis [4]. Axonogenesis is the enlargement of nerves or an increase in nerve density (axon extension and number).…”