Data from Targeting Olfactomedin-like 3 Inhibits Tumor Growth by Impairing Angiogenesis and Pericyte Coverage

Abstract

<div>Abstract<p>Antiangiogenic drugs have been used as anticancer agents to target tumor endothelial cells or pericytes. Because of limited efficacy of the current monotherapies, there is a strong demand for the dual targeting of endothelial cells and pericytes. Here, we identify Olfactomedin-like 3 (Olfml3) as a novel proangiogenic cue within the tumor microenvironment. Tumor-derived Olfml3 is produced by both tumor endothelial cells and accompanying pericytes and deposited in the perivascular compartment. Blockade of Olfml3 by anti-Olfml3 antibodies is highly effective in reducing tumor vascularization, pericyte coverage, and tumor growth. <i>In vitro</i>, <i>Olfml3</i> targeting is sufficient to inhibit endothelioma cell migration and sprouting. Olfml3 alone or through binding to BMP4 enhances the canonical SMAD1/5/8 signaling pathway required for BMP4-induced angiogenesis. Therefore, Olfml3 blockade provides a novel strategy to control tumor growth by targeting two distinct cell types within the tumor microenvironment using a single molecule. <i>Mol Cancer Ther; 11(12); 2588–99. ©2012 AACR</i>.</p></div>