Tumor-associated macrophages press the angiogenic switch in breast cancer.
The development of a supportive vasculature is essential for tumor progression. In a mouse model of breast cancer, we found that tumor-associated macrophages that are recruited to the tumor just before malignant conversion are essential for the angiogenic switch. These findings establish a causal linkage to explain well-documented clinical correlations between macrophages, microvessel density, and poor prognosis in breast tumors.
Lin
Elaine Y
EY
Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Center of Reproductive Biology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA.
Pollard
Jeffrey W
JW
D000818:Animals; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D008325:Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology