HIF-1 regulates CD47 expression in breast cancer cells to promote evasion of phagocytosis and maintenance of cancer stem cells

Abstract

Uncontrolled cell proliferation and abnormal blood vessel formation result in regions of breast cancers that are hypoxic (deprived of oxygen). Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) stimulate the expression of genes that enable cancer cells to invade and metastasize, leading to patient mortality. In this paper, we report that HIFs stimulate the production of CD47, a protein on the cell surface that enables cancer cells to avoid destruction by macrophages. CD47 is also important for maintaining cancer stem cells, which are a small population of cells that are required for the formation of primary tumors and metastases. Reduction of HIF activity or CD47 levels in breast cancer cells led to increased killing by macrophages and depletion of cancer stem cells.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Oct 28, 2015
Source ID
10.1073/pnas.1520032112

Entities

People

  • Chuanzhao Zhang
  • Daniele M. Gilkes
  • Debangshu Samanta
  • Gregg L. Semenza
  • Haiquan Lu
  • Huimin Zhang
  • Jianjun He
  • John W. Bullen
  • Lisha Xiang

Organizations

  • American Cancer Society
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • United States Department of Defense
  • Xi'an Jiaotong University

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Biology
  • Medicine

Readers

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology and Genetics

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Biotechnology - Cancer Biotech