In: Biology
Knockdown of a protein "TAP" in mice leads to a loss of tumor associated pericytes. What consequence would this have on metastasis and why? (5 points)
Pericytes are multipotent perivascular cells which are involved in vasculature development.They display immune properties and contribute to regeneration of diverse tissues. Pericytes are also capable of tumor homing ( navigate towards target) & important cellular components of tumor microenvironment (TME).
Metastasis is the dissemination ( spread) of cancer cells to distance organs. This requires the survival of cancer cells through a challenging route like Invasion into surrounding tissues , survival in the host environment ( blood circulation etc..), ability to seed & grow in the new site which are limiting steps. Metastasis is influenced by non-malignant cells in the TME which also includes Pericytes.
# The loss of Pericytes facilities tumor cell spreading i.e, Metastasis. That means Pericytes may have negative regulation of Metastasis. Because the detachment of Pericytes and dysfunctional interaction with endothelial cells (ECs) leads to enhanced Metastatic potential & also contribut to metastasis by affecting the colonization and growth of tumor cells at distant sites. In knockout animals we can observe an enchanted metastasis frequency exhibiting a compromised blood vessel structure.