Current knowledge on the mechanisms underpinning vasculogenic mimicry in triple negative breast cancer and the emerging role of nitric oxide - 22/04/25

Abstract |
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is the process by which cancer cells form vascular-like channels to support their growth and dissemination. These channels lack endothelial cells and are instead lined by the tumour cells themselves. VM was first reported in uveal melanomas but has since been associated with other aggressive solid tumours, such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). In TNBC patients, VM is associated with tumour aggressiveness, drug resistance, metastatic burden, and poor prognosis. The lack of effective targeted therapies for TNBC has stimulated research on the mechanisms underpinning VM in order to identify novel druggable targets. In recent years, studies have highlighted the role of nitric oxide (NO), the NO synthesis inhibitor, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 (DDAH1), the key enzyme responsible for ADMA metabolism, in regulating VM. Specifically, NO inhibition through downregulation of DDAH1 and consequent accumulation of ADMA appears to be a promising strategy to suppress VM in TNBC. This review discusses the current knowledge regarding the molecular pathways underpinning VM in TNBC, anti-VM therapies under investigation, and the emerging role of NO regulation in VM.
Il testo completo di questo articolo è disponibile in PDF.Graphical Abstract |
Highlights |
• | VM is key driver of metastasis, relapse, and poor outcomes in TNBC. |
• | Several signaling pathways are being investigated as VM regulators. |
• | NO is emerging as a key player in VM formation in TNBC. |
• | Inhibiting NO by downregulating DDAH1 is a promising strategy to suppress VM. |
Keywords : Vasculogenic mimicry, Triple-negative breast cancer, TNBC, Dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1, DDAH1, Nitric oxide, Asymmetric dimethylarginine, ADMA
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Vol 186
Articolo 118013- maggio 2025 Ritorno al numeroBenvenuto su EM|consulte, il riferimento dei professionisti della salute.
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