# GROWTH AND MIGRATION OF CAPILLARY ENDOTHELIAL CELLS

> **NIH NIH R01** · BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · 1987 · $99,359

## Abstract

A critical step in the development of a solid tumor is the transition of a
dormant or slowly growing avascular tumor into a rapidly growing metastatic
vascularized tumor.  This process of neovascularization depends on the
ability of capillary endothelial cells to complete the processes of
hydrolysis of basement membrane around pre-existing vessels, migration
toward the tumor stimulus, cell proliferation, and the formation of closed
vascular channels.  We have succeeded in culturing capillary endothelial
cells and have used them to develop in vitro assays for the cellular
components of the vascular process.  The isolation and identification of
these cells have been greatly aided by the use of fluorescently labeled
acetyl low-density lipoprotein which is selectively taken up by endothelial
cells and macrophages.  After internalization of this probe, the
endothelial cells can be selected and isolated by use of a
fluorescence-activated cell sorter.  In vitro assays employing capillary
endothelial cells have been of use in the identification and isolation of
tumor-derived stimulators of neovascularization, and they have also been
used for the detection of such factors in biological fluids from
tumor-bearing individuals.

In the next phase of this project, we will attempt to more fully understand
the factors that control growth, migration, and adhesion of capillary
endothelial cells by utilizing assays that can distinguish the directional,
nondirectional, and adhesive components of endothelial cell motility.  We
also plan to explore the complex interactions between capillary endothelial
cells and other motile cells such as mast cells and eosinophils that may
release factors that modulate the rate and direction of new capillary
growth.  (J)

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3175265
- **Project number:** 5R01CA037393-06
- **Recipient organization:** BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
- **SAM.gov UEI:** Z1L9F1MM1RY3
- **Principal Investigator:** BRUCE R ZETTER
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $99,359
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1983-07-01 → 1988-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3175265

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3175265, GROWTH AND MIGRATION OF CAPILLARY ENDOTHELIAL CELLS (5R01CA037393-06). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-24 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3175265. Licensed CC0.

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