Characteristics of tumor-associated endothelial cells derived from glioblastoma multiforme

Neurosurg Focus. 2006 Apr 15;20(4):E22. doi: 10.3171/foc.2006.20.4.e22.

Abstract

Glioblastomas multiforme (GBMs) are highly vascular brain tumors characterized by abnormal vessel structures in vivo. This finding supports the theory that glioma-associated endothelial cells (ECs) have intrinsically different properties from ECs in normal human brain. Therefore, identification of the functional and phenotypic characteristics of tumor-associated ECs is essential for designing a rational antiangiogenic therapy. The GBM-associated ECs have a large, flat, and veil-like appearance, in contrast to normal ones, which are small and plump. Although the tumor ECs have the typical markers, they proliferate more slowly than these cell types in normal brain. The GBM-associated ECs are resistant to cytotoxic drugs, and they undergo less apoptosis than control cells. Also, GBM-associated ECs migrate faster than controls and constitutively produce high levels of growth factors such as endothelin-1, interleukin-8, and vascular endothelial growth factor. An understanding of these unique characteristics of glioma-associated ECs is important for the development of novel antiangiogenic agents that specifically target tumor-associated ECs in gliomas.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Blood Vessels / metabolism*
  • Blood Vessels / pathology
  • Blood Vessels / physiopathology
  • Brain Neoplasms / blood supply*
  • Brain Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Brain Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / physiology
  • Endothelial Cells / drug effects
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Endothelial Cells / pathology
  • Endothelial Growth Factors / biosynthesis*
  • Endothelial Growth Factors / metabolism
  • Glioblastoma / blood supply*
  • Glioblastoma / drug therapy
  • Glioblastoma / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / drug therapy
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / metabolism*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / physiopathology

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Endothelial Growth Factors