Tumor endothelial cells have features of adult stem cells

Cell Cycle. 2009 Jan 15;8(2):236-8. doi: 10.4161/cc.8.2.7413. Epub 2009 Jan 14.

Abstract

We recently reported that prostate tumor-specific endothelial cells had features of mesenchymal stem cells and could transdifferentiate to form cartilage and bone-like tissues. Plasticity in the tumor vasculature may be related to well-known tumor blood vessel abnormalities and could underlie an intrinsic adaptive mechanism in tumor endothelial cells for circumventing anti-angiogenic strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Endothelial Cells / cytology
  • Endothelial Cells / pathology*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / metabolism
  • Endothelium, Vascular / pathology
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Neoplasms / pathology*