Submitted on July 26, 2006
Accepted on August 23, 2006
Stromal derived factor (SDF-1/CXCL12) and human tumor pathogenesis
Ilona Kryczek1, Shuang Wei1, Evan Keller2, Rebecca Liu3, and Weiping Zou4*
1 Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
2 Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
3 Obstetrics and Gyn, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
4 University of Michigan School of Medicine, 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109-0669, United States
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: wzou{at}umich.edu.
The chemokine stroma-derived-factor (SDF-1/CXCL12) plays multiple roles in tumor pathogenesis. It has been demonstrated that CXCL12 promotes tumor growth and malignancy, enhances tumor angiogenesis, participates in tumor metastasis, and contributes to immunosuppressive networks within the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, it stands to reason that the CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway is an important target for the development of novel anti-cancer therapies. In this review, we will consider the pathological nature and characteristics of the CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway in the tumor microenvironment. Strategies for therapeutically targeting the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis are also discussed.
