Vasculogenic mimicry and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α expression in cervical squamous cell carcinoma

Zhou, Tiejun; Huang, Xinfang; Gong, Li; Li, Xiang

doi:10.4238/gmr.15017396

Cited by 7 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…Thus, the jury is still out on whether all “pattern structures” can be classified as VM. A further problem in the reporting of the presence of VM occurs when no imagery is shown; without physical evidence it is difficult to draw conclusions (27). Similarly, small images in black and white do not allow the reader to be convinced of the presence of PAS+/CD31– structures (28).…”

Section: Is the Combination Of Pas+ And Absence Of Ec Markers A Definmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fact or Fiction, It Is Time for a Verdict on Vasculogenic Mimicry?

et al. 2019

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The term vasculogenic mimicry (VM) refers to the capacity of certain cancer cells to form fluid-conducting structures within a tumor in an endothelial cell (EC)-free manner. Ever since its first report by Maniotis in 1999, the existence of VM has been an extremely contentious issue. The overwhelming consensus of the literature suggests that VM is frequently observed in highly aggressive tumors and correlates to lower patient survival. While the presence of VM in vivo in animal and patient tumors are claimed upon the strong positive staining for glycoproteins (Periodic Acid Schiff, PAS), it is by no means universally accepted. More controversial still is the existence of an in vitro model of VM that principally divides the scientific community. Original reports demonstrated that channels or tubes occur in cancer cell monolayers in vitro when cultured in matrigel and that these structures may support fluid movement. However, several years later many papers emerged stating that connections formed between cancer cells grown on matrigel represented VM. We speculate that this became accepted by the cancer research community and now the vast majority of the scientific literature reports both presence and mechanisms of VM based on intercellular connections, not the presence of fluid conducting tubes. In this opinion paper, we call upon evidence from an exhaustive review of the literature and original data to argue that the majority of in vitro studies presented as VM do not correspond to this phenomenon. Furthermore, we raise doubts on the validity of concluding the presence of VM in patient samples and animal models based solely on the presence of PAS+ staining. We outline the requirement for new biomarkers of VM and present criteria by which VM should be defined in vitro and in vivo .

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Section: Is the Combination Of Pas+ And Absence Of Ec Markers A Definmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fact or Fiction, It Is Time for a Verdict on Vasculogenic Mimicry?

et al. 2019

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“…For instance in a mouse model of melanoma, mice in the ischemic model group were found to demonstrate increased VM compared to the control group, which was positively correlated with HIF-1α and HIF-2α expression, indicating that oxygen deficiency promoted VM [12]. Further, a large number of studies have shown that hypoxia or HIF molecules promote the VM process in multiple tumor types including cervical cancer [13], small cell lung cancer [14], liver cancer [15], and gallbladder cancer [16]. HIF-1 can also directly regulate the expression of multiple VM-related molecules such as VEGF, Twist, LOX, MMP2, and MIFect [17].…”

Section: Main Textmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mechanisms of vasculogenic mimicry in hypoxic tumor microenvironments

et al. 2021

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Background Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a recently discovered angiogenetic process found in many malignant tumors, and is different from the traditional angiogenetic process involving vascular endothelium. It involves the formation of microvascular channels composed of tumor cells; therefore, VM is considered a new model for the formation of new blood vessels in aggressive tumors, and can provide blood supply for tumor growth. Many studies have pointed out that in recent years, some clinical treatments against angiogenesis have not been satisfactory possibly due to the activation of VM. Although the mechanisms underlying VM have not been fully elucidated, increasing research on the soil “microenvironment” for tumor growth suggests that the initial hypoxic environment in solid tumors is inseparable from VM. Main body In this review, we describe that the stemness and differentiation potential of cancer stem cells are enhanced under hypoxic microenvironments, through hypoxia-induced epithelial-endothelial transition (EET) and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling to form the specific mechanism of vasculogenic mimicry; we also summarized some of the current drugs targeting VM through these processes, suggesting a new reference for the clinical treatment of tumor angiogenesis. Conclusion Overall, the use of VM inhibitors in combination with conventional anti-angiogenesis treatments is a promising strategy for improving the effectiveness of targeted angiogenesis treatments; further, considering the importance of hypoxia in tumor invasion and metastasis, drugs targeting the hypoxia signaling pathway seem to achieve good results.

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“…PAS + structures have been suggested to cross over true blood vessels containing RBCs, and cancer cells can secrete copious amounts of PAS + mucoproteins, but this should not necessarily imply vessel formation. Electron microscopy studies have not shown blood components inside VM channels in some studies, and many studies have failed to provide adequate imaging evidence of VM [ 153 , 154 ]. These findings have raised scepticism about the methods used to identify VM in many studies in the literature [ 152 ].…”

Section: Vascular Mimicry As a Distinct Angiogenic Mechanism In Bladd...mentioning

confidence: 99%

An Overview of Angiogenesis in Bladder Cancer

2023

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Purpose of the Review Angiogenesis plays a key role in bladder cancer (BC) pathogenesis. In the last two decades, an increasing number of publications depicting a multitude of novel angiogenic molecules and pathways have emerged. The growing complexity necessitates an evaluation of the breadth of current knowledge to highlight key findings and guide future research. Recent Findings Angiogenesis is a dynamic biologic process that is inherently difficult to assess. Clinical assessment of angiogenesis in BCs is advancing with the integration of image analysis systems and dynamic contrast-enhanced and magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) significantly influence the angiogenic process, and further research is needed to assess their potential as therapeutic targets. A rapidly growing list of non-coding RNAs affect angiogenesis in BCs, partly through modulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) activity. Vascular mimicry (VM) has been repeatedly associated with increased tumour aggressiveness in BCs. Standardised assays are needed for appropriate identification and quantification of VM channels. Summary This article demonstrates the dynamic and complex nature of the angiogenic process and asserts the need for further studies to deepen our understanding.

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Vasculogenic mimicry and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α expression in cervical squamous cell carcinoma

Cited by 7 publications

References 8 publications

Fact or Fiction, It Is Time for a Verdict on Vasculogenic Mimicry?

Fact or Fiction, It Is Time for a Verdict on Vasculogenic Mimicry?

Mechanisms of vasculogenic mimicry in hypoxic tumor microenvironments

An Overview of Angiogenesis in Bladder Cancer

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