title: Endosialin: molecular and functional links to tumor angiogenesis.
abstract: Endosialin, alternatively named tumor endothelial marker 1 (TEM1) or CD248, is a bulk transmembrane glycoprotein expressed both in developing and adult tissues undergoing active physiological or pathological angiogenesis. Endosialin is often overexpressed in tumors, particularly in stromal cells and in vessels-covering pericytes, and its transcription is induced by hypoxia via HIF-2 transcription factor. Based on the expression pattern, molecular characteristics and phenotypes of genetic models, endosialin has been proposed to function as a receptor implicated in sprouting angiogenesis, vasculogenesis and/or pruning of vessels. Here we provide an overview of the recent knowledge linking endosialin to diverse aspects of angiogenesis. Based on data-mining, our experimental data and available literature, we suggest that endosialin cross-talks with both pro- and anti-angiogenic signals and ECM components, and participates in dynamic vascular remodeling, which facilitates tumor growth. Tumor-selective targeting of endosialin may therefore contribute to improvement of existing anti-angiogenic therapies.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kontsekova
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Polcicova
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Takacova
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pastorekova
mesh_terms: D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D001483:Base Sequence; D015687:Cell Hypoxia / Q000502:physiology; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000473:pathology*; D020286:Pericytes / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D015703:Antigens, CD; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; C078203:CD248 protein, human; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins
keywords: angiogenesis; cancer.; endosialin; extracellular matrix; pericytes