Biology of Pericytes – Recent Advances: Role of Pericytes in Brain Metastasis

Abstract

IntroductionBrain metastases are the most common brain neoplasms observed clinically in adults, comprising more than half of all brain tumors. Brain metastases have been historically understudied, and they represent an emerging and urgent unmet medical need. The major impediment to effectively treating brain metastatic disease is the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This barrier excludes most chemotherapeutics from the brain and creates a sanctuary site for metastatic cancers. Recent studies have provided some evidence that astrocytes play a major role in brain metastasis by engaging different modes of interactions with incoming cancer cells. By contrast, little is known concerning the underlying mechanisms of brain metastasis formation, especially the role of pericytes. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in our understanding of the biology of pericytes, especially regarding its role in brain metastasis.MethodsLiterature review.ResultsThe primary function of pericytes is stabilizing the function of the BBB. By contrast, cancer cells can activate pericytes to participate in pathological angiogenesis and thus promote brain metastasis progression. It is important to understand both the stimulatory and inhibitory effects of pericytes on cells to reveal the mechanism of brain metastasis.ConclusionsBased on the findings of this review, pericytes could represent a key cellular target for the treatment and prevention of brain metastasis. These data provided new insights into the biology of pericytes and their potential roles in the pathogenesis of brain metastasis. These findings should spur additional studies to better clarify the mechanisms by which pericytes promote brain metastasis and stimulate the development of treatment strategies targeting these cells.