Extracellular Matrix Proteins and Tumor Angiogenesis

Figure 1

Summary of various extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins that are involved in tumour angiogenesis. Activation of tumor-derived ECM proteins permits communication between the tumor and its surrounding microenvironment. Regulating of angiogenesis can be directly through MMP activation and degradation of the ECM or through and indirect mechanism. This involves interactions between various ECM proteins and pro or antiangiogenic growth factors in order to alter angiogenesis. Ultimately, expression of the proangiogenic growth factor can influence the angiogenic phenotype and determine whether vascular sprouting occurs in order to provide the tumor with the necessary nutrients to survive.