Chemokines.
Tumor growth is restricted to approximately 2 microm diameters by simple dissociation of nutrients and oxygen. Hence, tumors require the formation of new blood vessels for further growth progression. This process is referred to as tumor neo-angiogenesis. The process of tumor neo-angiogenesis is directed by complex bidirectional interactions between the tumor and the vessels, and creates a favorable microenvironment for angiogenesis. The tumor vessel system not only facilitates tumor growth by providing nutrients and oxygen but also functions as a convenient route for metastasis. A group of small cytokine-like molecules called chemokines have been shown to participate in angiogenesis under homeostatic and neoplastic conditions. This review summarizes their role in tumor-associated angiogenesis.
Hippe
Andreas
A
Department of Dermatology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany. ahippe@gmail.com
Homey
Bernhard
B
Mueller-Homey
Anja
A
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D018925:Chemokines / Q000502:physiology*; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000188:drug therapy; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000209:etiology*; D019707:Receptors, Chemokine / Q000502:physiology
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D018925:Chemokines; D019707:Receptors, Chemokine