Mural cells
Encyclopedia
The term mural cell refers generally to vascular smooth muscle
cells and pericyte
s, both involved in the formation of normal vasculature and responsive to vascular endothelial growth factor
(VEGF). The weakness and disorganization of tumor
vasculature is partly due to the inability of tumors to recruit properly organized mural cells.
Vascular smooth muscle
Vascular smooth muscle refers to the particular type of smooth muscle found within, and composing the majority of the wall of blood vessels.Vascular smooth muscle contracts or relaxes to both change the volume of blood vessels and the local blood pressure, a mechanism that is responsible for the...
cells and pericyte
Pericyte
A pericyte is a type of cell found in the central nervous system. These cells play an integral role in the maintenance of the blood brain barrier as well as several other homeostatic and hemostatic functions of the brain. Pericytes are also a key component of the neurovascular unit, which also...
s, both involved in the formation of normal vasculature and responsive to vascular endothelial growth factor
Vascular endothelial growth factor
Vascular endothelial growth factor is a signal protein produced by cells that stimulates vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. It is part of the system that restores the oxygen supply to tissues when blood circulation is inadequate....
(VEGF). The weakness and disorganization of tumor
Tumor
A tumor or tumour is commonly used as a synonym for a neoplasm that appears enlarged in size. Tumor is not synonymous with cancer...
vasculature is partly due to the inability of tumors to recruit properly organized mural cells.