Altered phenotype of lymphatic endothelial cells induced by highly metastatic OTSCC cells contributed to the lymphatic metastasis of OTSCC cells

Cancer Sci. 2010 Mar;101(3):686-92. doi: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2009.01444.x. Epub 2009 Nov 18.

Abstract

The lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) is an interactive surface for cancer cells. This article aims to explore cancer cell-induced changes of LEC, and study the tumor-lymphatic endothelium interaction. Here, LECs were co-cultured with highly and poorly metastatic tongue cancer cells. The differences in biologic behaviors and gene expression profiles between them were examined. The results showed that LECs induced by highly metastatic cancer cells displayed abnormal biologic behaviors, and could secrete chemokines to promote the migration of cancer cells. Therefore, biologic properties and functional status of LECs in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) might be a positive factor in lymphatic dissemination.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology*
  • Cell Movement
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Chemokine CXCL1 / physiology
  • Endothelial Cells / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Lymphangiogenesis
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Phenotype
  • Receptors, Interleukin-8B / physiology
  • Tongue Neoplasms / pathology*

Substances

  • CXCL1 protein, human
  • Chemokine CXCL1
  • Receptors, Interleukin-8B