CCL2 expression predicts clinical outcomes, and regulates E-cadherin and angiogenesis in pituitary tumours.

The crosstalk between tumour cells and microenvironment components in pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNETs), including chemokines, may impact tumour behaviour and clinical outcomes. CCL2 was previously identified as a key chemokine in PitNETs, but its role remains unknown. We aimed to study the role of CCL2 in defining the phenotype and clinical outcomes of PitNETs, and in regulating macrophage chemotaxis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and angiogenesis.