tumor-microenvironment
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is the formation of perfusable, vessel-like networks by tumor cells themselves, without true transdifferentiation into endothelial cells.
It reflects endothelial-like plasticity, marked by VE-cadherin (CD144) expression, driven by TGF-β, hypoxia, and SNAIL signaling.
Related terms
Source papers
- Circulating Tumor Cells in the Blood Microenvironment: Survival Mechanisms and Metastatic Potential doi:10.1186/s44424-026-00056-0