Breast Fibroblasts and Their Role in Cancer Growth
Author Information
Author(s): Rudnick Jenny A., Arendt Lisa M., Klebba Ina, Hinds John W., Iyer Vandana, Gupta Piyush B., Naber Stephen P., Kuperwasser Charlotte
Primary Institution: Tufts University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
The study investigates the functional heterogeneity of breast fibroblasts and their role in promoting cancer stem-like cells through prostaglandin secretion.
Conclusion
Breast fibroblasts that secrete high levels of prostaglandin E2 promote tumor growth and the expansion of cancer stem-like cells.
Supporting Evidence
- Fibroblasts from both normal and cancerous tissues were found to promote tumor growth.
- High levels of PGE2 secretion correlated with increased tumor growth in vivo.
- PGE2 secretion was linked to the expansion of cancer stem-like cells in breast cancer.
Takeaway
Some cells in the breast can help cancer grow, and those that make a special chemical called prostaglandin are especially good at it.
Methodology
Fibroblasts were isolated from breast tissues and their ability to promote tumor growth was assessed in vivo using mouse models.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in selecting fibroblast populations from different tissue sources.
Limitations
The study may not account for all variables influencing fibroblast behavior in different tissue environments.
Participant Demographics
Fibroblasts were derived from various patient samples, including those with breast cancer and healthy individuals.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.004
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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