Angiopoietin-1 and myeloma-induced angiogenesis

Leuk Lymphoma. 2005 Jan;46(1):29-33. doi: 10.1080/1042-8190400001022.

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy characterized by an increase of the bone marrow angiogenesis. Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) is a critical factor in the regulation of physiological and pathological vessel formation that acts by binding to a specific receptor Tie2 expressed on endothelial cells. Recent evidences indicate that human MM cells produce Ang-1 and up-regulate its receptor Tie2 in bone marrow endothelial cells. An overexpression of Ang-1 has been also found in MM cells as compared to normal plasma cells. The correlation between Ang-1 expression and BM angiogenesis, demonstrated in MM patients, and the inhibitory effect of Tie2 blocking on MM-induced vessel formation suggest that Ang-1 production by MM cells is critically involved in the angiogenic process in MM. In this review we focalize our attention on Ang-1/Tie2 system and its role in MM-induced angiogenesis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiopoietin-1 / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Multiple Myeloma / pathology
  • Multiple Myeloma / physiopathology*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Stromal Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • Angiopoietin-1