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World J Gastrointest Surg. Apr 27, 2010; 2(4): 117-127
Published online Apr 27, 2010. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v2.i4.117
Published online Apr 27, 2010. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v2.i4.117
Molecular regulation of vasculogenic mimicry in tumors and potential tumor-target therapy
Yue-Zu Fan, Wei Sun, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
Author contributions: Fan YZ and Sun W contributed jointly to this paper.
Supported by A grant from the National Nature Science Foundation of China, No. 30672073
Correspondence to: Yue-Zu Fan, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China. fanyuezu_shtj@yahoo.com.cn
Telephone: +86-21-66111109 Fax: +86-21-56050502
Received: November 19, 2009
Revised: January 26, 2010
Accepted: February 2, 2010
Published online: April 27, 2010
Revised: January 26, 2010
Accepted: February 2, 2010
Published online: April 27, 2010
Abstract
“Vasculogenic mimicry (VM)”, is a term that describes the unique ability of highly aggressive tumor cells to express a multipotent, stem cell-like phenotype, and form a pattern of vasculogenic-like networks in three-dimensional culture. As an angiogenesis-independent pathway, VM and/or periodic acid-schiff-positive patterns are associated with poor prognosis in tumor patients. Moreover, VM is resistant to angiogenesis inhibitors. Here, we will review the advances in research on biochemical and molecular signaling pathways of VM in tumors and on potential anti-VM therapy strategy.
Keywords: Tumor-target therapy; Signaling pathways; High aggressive tumor; Molecular regulation; Prognosis; Vasculogenic mimicry