Prostate Cancer Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Prostate Cancer, including details on symptoms, genetics, screening, treatment, information.

Targeting of pericytes diminishes neovascularization and lymphangiogenesis in prostate cancer.

Ozerdem U

La Jolla Institute for Molecular Medicine, San Diego, California 92121, USA. ozerdem@ljimm.org

BACKGROUND: The walls of capillaries in prostate cancer are composed of endothelial cells, and pericytes. NG2 is a transmembrane proteoglycan on nascent pericytes with a functional role in neovascularization. METHODS: The anti-angiogenic effect of hydron pellets containing NG2 neutralizing antibody was quantified in intracorneal PC-3 and LNCaP xenografts. TRAMP and TRAMP-C1 tumors grafted in NG2 knockout mice represented intrinsic pericyte targeting. TRAMP and TRAMP-C1 grafts were analyzed with confocal microscope for microvascular density (MVD) and lymphatic vascular density (LVD). RESULTS: NG2 neutralizing antibody decreased corneal neovascularization in PC3 (P<0.0001), and LNCaP (P=0.0079) xenografts. Mean MVD in TRAMP and TRAMP-C1 tumors in NG2 knockout mice were 71% (P=0.0006) and 63% (P=0.0011) lower than wild type controls, respectively. Mean LVD in TRAMP and TRAMP-C1 tumors in NG2 knockout mice were 73% (P=0.0003) and 84% (P<0.0001) lower than wild type controls, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Targeting of pericyte-NG2 decreases neovascularization and lymphangiogenesis in prostate cancer significantly.

Published 9 January 2006 in Prostate, 66(3): 294-304.
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