Molecular biology of breast cancer metastasis. Molecular expression of vascular markers by aggressive breast cancer cells

M. J.C. Hendrix*, E. A. Seftor, D. A. Kirschmann, R. E.B. Seftor

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

86 Scopus citations

Abstract

During embryogenesis, the formation of primary vascular networks occurs via the processes of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. In uveal melanoma, vasculogenic mimicry describes the 'embryonic-like' ability of aggressive, but not nonaggressive, tumor cells to form networks surrounding spheroids of tumor cells in three-dimensional culture; these recapitulate the patterned networks seen in patients' aggressive tumors and correlates with poor prognosis. The molecular profile of these aggressive tumor cells suggests that they have a deregulated genotype, capable of expressing vascular phenotypes. Similarly, the embryonic-like phenotype expressed by the aggressive human breast cancer cells is associated with their ability to express a variety of vascular markers. These studies may offer new insights for consideration in breast cancer diagnosis and therapeutic intervention strategies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)417-422
Number of pages6
JournalBreast Cancer Research
Volume2
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2000

Keywords

  • Breast cancer
  • Interconverted phenotype
  • TIE2
  • Thrombin receptor

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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