CTHRC1 promotes angiogenesis by recruiting Tie2-expressing monocytes to pancreatic tumors

A protein involved in tissue repair can support malignant tumors by promoting the formation of new blood vessels that sustain the tumors. Sang Seok Koh of Dong-A University and colleagues at several research centers in South Korea, investigated the role of the protein “CTHRC1” in pancreatic cancer. Studying human pancreatic cancer cells and cells that build blood vessels, they discovered the protein can recruit cells derived from bone marrow to create the blood vessels for a tumor. The researchers also demonstrated that antibodies against CTHRC1 could limit tumor formation in a mouse model of pancreatic cancer. This indicates that CTHRC1 may be an effective target for new anti-cancer therapies. Earlier studies have also linked the protein to breast and gastric cancers, suggesting wider relevance for the findings.