VEGF from Mesenchymal Stem Cells Helps Blood Vessel Growth in Pancreatic Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Beckermann B M, Kallifatidis G, Groth A, Frommhold D, Apel A, Mattern J, Salnikov A V, Moldenhauer G, Wagner W, Diehlmann A, Saffrich R, Schubert M, Ho A D, Giese N, Büchler M W, Friess H, Büchler P, Herr I
Primary Institution: University of Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
Hypothesis
Hypoxia-induced growth factor expression in pancreatic cancer promotes tumour angiogenesis by mediating MSC recruitment.
Conclusion
Mesenchymal stem cells contribute to the formation of blood vessels in pancreatic cancer by migrating towards the tumors and producing VEGF.
Supporting Evidence
- MSC migrated towards growth factors like PDGF, EGF, and VEGF present in pancreatic tumors.
- MSC produced VEGF, which increased sprouting of endothelial cells.
- MSC were found to home into pancreatic tumors in a mouse model.
Takeaway
This study shows that special cells from bone marrow can move to pancreatic tumors and help create new blood vessels, which is important for the tumor's growth.
Methodology
The study used in vitro experiments and an orthotopic mouse model to assess the migration of MSC towards pancreatic cancer cells and their role in angiogenesis.
Limitations
The study is limited by the use of only one pancreatic cancer cell line.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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