Neuropilin-2 expression affects the increased vascularization and is a prognostic factor in osteosarcoma

Int J Oncol. 2000 Aug;17(2):291-5. doi: 10.3892/ijo.17.2.291.

Abstract

Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor characterized by hypervascularity. Neuropilins (NRPs), which is expressed by human tumor cells, is known to be a potent receptor for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We examined NRPs mRNA expression in 30 osteosarcomas. The osteosarcomas with NRP2 expression (n=24) showed a significantly increased vascularity (P<0.0014, Mann-Whitney U test). Osteosarcomas with NRP2 showed significantly poorer prognosis than those without NRP2 (P=0.016, Wilcoxon's test). These results suggest that NRP acts as a VEGF-amplifier in a paracrine or autocrine manner in the osteosarcoma. NRP2 expression cooperatively promotes angiogenesis and growth in osteosarcomas with VEGF expression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bone Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Bone Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Bone Neoplasms / mortality
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / metabolism*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
  • Neuropilin-1
  • Osteosarcoma / blood supply
  • Osteosarcoma / metabolism*
  • Osteosarcoma / mortality
  • Prognosis
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / metabolism
  • Receptors, Growth Factor / metabolism
  • Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
  • Survival Rate
  • Transplantation, Heterologous
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Growth Factor
  • Neuropilin-1
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor