Contribution of bone marrow-derived endothelial cells to human tumor vasculature

Nat Med. 2005 Mar;11(3):261-2. doi: 10.1038/nm1200. Epub 2005 Feb 20.

Abstract

It has been shown that bone marrow-derived stem cells can form a major fraction of the tumor endothelium in mouse tumors. To determine the role of such cells in human tumor angiogenesis, we studied six individuals who developed cancers after bone marrow transplantation with donor cells derived from individuals of the opposite sex. By performing fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with sex chromosome-specific probes in conjunction with fluorescent antibody staining, we found that such stem cells indeed contributed to tumor endothelium, but at low levels, averaging only 4.9% of the total. These results illustrate substantial differences between human tumors and many mouse models with respect to angiogenesis and have important implications for the translation of experimental antiangiogenic therapies to the clinic.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bone Marrow Cells / cytology*
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Chromosomes, Human, X
  • Chromosomes, Human, Y
  • Endothelial Cells / cytology*
  • Endothelial Cells / physiology
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Humans
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Male
  • Neoplasms / blood supply*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic* / blood
  • Stem Cells / physiology*