We report a novel function of tissue factor (TF) as an angiogenic factor in malignant
and non-malignant cells and tissue. When methylcholanthrene A-induced murine fibrosarcoma
(Meth-A sarcoma) was stably transfected with mouse TF (mTF) cDNA (pXT1 expression
vector), its vascularization in vivo was significantly enhanced, whereas TF-antisense
suppressed the vascularization and tumor growth. In vitro expression of vascular endothelial
growth factor (VEGF) was enhanced with stable transfection of mTF (pcDNA3 expression
vector) into a mouse fibroblast cell line (NIH3T3). Moreover, in vivo topical transfection
of mTF (pcDNA3) showed an enhanced vascularization and healing in a diabetic mouse
wound-healing model. This effect of TF as an angiogenic factor might be useful as
an antitumor therapy against hypervascular tumors or as a novel agent against delayed
wound healing.
Tissue factor (TF) - vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) - angiogenesis - tumor
- wound healing