The heterogeneity of cancer endothelium: The relevance of angiogenesis and endothelial progenitor cells in cancer microenvironment

• Published in: Microvascular research 2021-11, Vol.138, p.104189-104189, Article 104189
• Main Authors: Armani, Giovanna, Pozzi, Emma, Pagani, Anna, Porta, Camillo, Rizzo, Mimma, Cicognini, Daniela, Rovati, Bianca, Moccia, Francesco, Pedrazzoli, Paolo, Ferraris, Elisa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Angiogenesis; Angiogenesis Inhibitors - therapeutic use; Angiogenic Proteins - genetics; Angiogenic Proteins - metabolism; Animals; Antiangiogenic therapy; Cell Lineage; Endothelial cells; Endothelial progenitor cells; Endothelial Progenitor Cells - drug effects; Endothelial Progenitor Cells - immunology; Endothelial Progenitor Cells - metabolism; Endothelial Progenitor Cells - pathology; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Neoplasms - blood supply; Neoplasms - drug therapy; Neoplasms - genetics; Neoplasms - immunology; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Phenotype; Renal cells carcinoma; Signal Transduction; Tumor Microenvironment - immunology
• ISSN: 0026-2862; 1095-9319
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2021.104189

Tumor-associated vessels constitution is the result of angiogenesis, the hallmark of cancer essential for tumor to develop in dimension and to spread throughout the organism. Tumor endothelium is configured as an active functioning organ capable of determine interaction with the immune response and all the other components of the variegate cancer microenvironment, determining reciprocal influence. Angiogenesis is here analyzed in its molecular and cellular mechanisms, multiple mediators and principal players, represented by Endothelial Cells. It is discussed the striking heterogeneity of cancer endothelium, due to morphological and molecular aberrations that it often presents and its multiple origin. Among the cells that participate to the composition of tumor vasculature, Endothelial Progenitor Cells represent an important source for physical sustain and paracrine signaling in the process of angiogenesis. Treatment options are reviewed, with particular focus on novel therapeutic strategies for overcoming tumor resistance to anti-angiogenic agents. •Angiogenesis is one of the hallmarks of cancer.•Morphological, molecular, genetic aberrations determine endothelium heterogeneity.•Endothelial progenitor cells contribute to the composition of tumor vasculature.•Tumor endothelial cells interact with cancer immune microenvironment.