PDGF-BB induces intratumoral lymphangiogenesis and promotes lymphatic metastasis.

Journal article

Cancer metastases are commonly found in the lymphatic system. Like tumor blood angiogenesis, stimulation of tumor lymphangiogenesis may require the interplay of several tumor-derived growth factors. Here we report that members of the PDGF family act as lymphangiogenic factors. In vitro, PDGF-BB stimulated MAP kinase activity and cell motility of isolated lymphatic endothelial cells. In vivo, PDGF-BB potently induced growth of lymphatic vessels. Expression of PDGF-BB in murine fibrosarcoma cells induced tumor lymphangiogenesis, leading to enhanced metastasis in lymph nodes. These data demonstrate that PDGF-BB is an important growth factor contributing to lymphatic metastasis. Thus, blockage of PDGF-induced lymphangiogenesis may provide a novel approach for prevention and treatment of lymphatic metastasis.

Authors: Cao, R; Björndahl, M; Religa, P; Clasper, S; Garvin, S

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Cancer cell
• Volume: 6
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 333-345
• Publication date: 2004-10-01
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2004.08.034
• EISSN: 1878-3686
• ISSN: 1535-6108
• Language: English
• Keywords: Lymphangiogenesis; Organ Size; Cell Line; Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor; Male; Humans; Mice; Lymphatic System; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Chemotaxis; Cell Division; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis; Female; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; Animals; Neoplasms; Lymphatic Metastasis; Signal Transduction; Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor