IL-1α secreted by colon cancer cells enhances angiogenesis: The relationship between IL-1α release and tumor cells' potential for liver metastasis

Background and Objectives Interleukin (IL)-1α plays an important role in colon cancer progression and angiogenesis. We here asked whether IL-1α derived from cancer cells modulates vascular endothelial cell growth, migration and tubule formation. Methods The existence of IL-1α mRNA and protein in colon cancer cell lines (WiDr, HT-29, Caco-2, COLO 320) were investigated with RT-PCR and ELISA. Proliferation and invasion were investigated by MTS assay and Matrigel-double chamber assay. To answer our main question, we performed angiogenesis assay used an in vitro model consisting of co-cultivated tumor cells and stromal cells. Results IL-1α mRNA and protein were detected in highly metastatic colon cancer cells (WiDr and HT-29). Recombinant IL-1α significantly enhanced growth and invasiveness of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) (P