"Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Is Required for Tumor Vasculogenesis but Not for Angiogenesis: Role of Bone Marrow-Derived Myelomonocytic Cells"

Tumor angiogenesis and vasculogenesis promote tumor growth and proliferation, because the new vessels allow exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products. Angiogenesis is defined as a formation of new blood vessels by the sprouting of preexisting mature endothelial cells, while vasculogenesis is the de novo formation of blood vessels by recruitment of precursor cells such as bone marrow (BM)-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPC). Secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) has been reported in various cancer types, and MMP-9 plays important roles in tumor invasion and angiogenesis. In MMP-9 knockout mice, tumor growth could be restored by transplantation of wild-type BM by using transplantable tumor models. EPCs did not contribute significantly to this process. BM-derived CD11b-positive myelomonocytic cells were responsible for tumor growth and the development of immature blood vessels in MMP-9 knockout mice receiving wild-type BM. From these results, the investigators suggest that MMP-9 could be an important target for adjunct therapy to improve the therapeutic benefit for patients receiving radiotherapy. (Commentary : Dr.Naoko Abe, M.D.)

"Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Is Required for Tumor Vasculogenesis but Not for Angiogenesis: Role of Bone Marrow-Derived Myelomonocytic Cells"
G-One Ahn and J. Martin Brown
Cancer Cell 13, 193?205, March 2008

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