Adrenergic nerves activate an angio-metabolic switch in prostate cancer

Tumor angiogenesis gets nervous The microenvironment of solid tumors hosts many intercellular conversations that can either enhance or inhibit tumor growth. Interestingly, the tumor cells need not be direct participants in these conversations. Zahalka et al. studied genetically manipulated mouse models and found that adrenergic signals from autonomic nerves in the prostate cancer microenvironment fueled tumor growth by altering the metabolism of blood vessel endothelial cells (see the Perspective by Hayakawa and Wang). These nerve-derived signals suppressed oxidative phosphorylation in the endothelial cells, activating an angiogenic switch that facilitated rapid tumor growth. This cross-talk between nerves and endothelial cells could potentially offer a target for cancer therapies. Science , this issue p. 321 ; see also p. 305