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The Embryonic-Like Properties of Aggressive Human Tumor Cells

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Abstract

During embryogenesis, the formation and remodeling of primary vascular networks occur by vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Recently, the term “vasculogenic mimicry” was introduced by our laboratory and collaborators to reflect the embryonic-like ability of aggressive, but not nonaggressive, tumor cells to form a pattern of vasculogenic-like networks in three-dimensional culture, with concomitant expression of vascular-associated cell markers. We reviewed research on the ability of invasive ovarian carcinoma cells to engage in molecular vasculogenic mimicry reflected by their plasticity. In addition, we reviewed in vivo evidence regarding the presence of tumor cell-lined vasculature in aggressive ovarian carcinoma and other cancers, which may serve as the correlate to in vitro vsculogenic mimicry. These results may offer new insights and molecular markers for consideration in ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment strategies based on molecular vascular mimicry by aggressive tumor cells.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Pathology, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, and Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 4630 JCP, 200, Hawkins Drive, 52242-1109, Iowa City, Iowa, USA

    Anil K. Sood MD, Mavis S. Fletcher MD & Mary J. C. Hendrix PhD

Authors
  1. Anil K. Sood MD
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  2. Mavis S. Fletcher MD
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  3. Mary J. C. Hendrix PhD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Anil K. Sood MD.

Additional information

Portions of this work were funded by the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation/National Ovarian Cancer Coalition Ovarian Cancer Research Grant to Anil K. Sood, the Phase II Junior Faculty Award (Reproductive Scientist Development Program) funded by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund to Anil K. Sood, the Kate Daum Research Endowment, and the H. B. Wallace Foundation Award to Mary J. C. Hendrix.

The authors gratefully acknowledge Lynn M. G. Gardner for technical assistance; Paul M. Heidger and the University of Iowa Central Microscopy Core Facility for electron microscopy.

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Sood, A.K., Fletcher, M.S. & Hendrix, M.J.C. The Embryonic-Like Properties of Aggressive Human Tumor Cells. Reprod. Sci. 9, 2–9 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1177/107155760200900102

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