Human Cervical Microvascular Endothelial Cells

The cervix is the lower portion of the uterus. It functions to promote fertility and protect the female reproductive tract and also fetus from potential pathogens. In addition, the cervix plays a critical role in childbirth by effacing and dilating to allow the baby to pass out of the uterus. Vascular endothelial cells lining the blood vessels actively participate in many vital biological processes. Human Cervical Microvascular Endothelial Cells (CerMEC) limit the passage of cellular and soluble substances between the blood vessels and the surrounding tissues. CerMEC also play critical roles in angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, and the inflammatory response. CerMEC angiogenesis has been shown to contribute to the progression of cervical cancer. Recent studies suggest that CerMEC may even initiate signaling events which directly promote tumor growth. HCerMEC are a useful model to elucidate the mechanisms of normal and pathological angiogenesis and develop treatments for cervical cancer. Human Cervical Microvascular Endothelial Cells are also useful tools to develop disease models for High Throughput and High Content Screening.