[How tumors abuse their host: the transcription factor c-ets1 and the regulation of tumor angiogenesis or invasion].

During their progression, epithelial tumors induce a stromal reaction essential for their development and for metastasis. In situ hybridization studies have revealed that the protooncogene c-ets1 is expressed in endothelial cells at the beginning tumor angiogenesis, and in stromal fibroblasts surrounding invasive tumors. C-ets1 encodes a transcription factor that may activate the transcription of genes encoding collagenase 1, stromelysin 1 and urokinase plasminogen activator, proteases involved in extracellular matrix degradation. A working hypothesis is that c-Ets1 takes part in regulating invasive processes by controlling the transcription of these genes. Experimental evidences that may confirm this hypothesis will be discussed.