Angiogenesis and Stromal Interaction in Breast Cancer
Abstract
Successful tumor growth requires angiogenesis, or the sprouting of new blood vessels from existing ones, to supply tumor cells with essential nutrients and oxygen. In addition, cancer cells must also establish a productive interaction with their neighboring stroma, which produces a matrix environment conducive to tumor growth and may also help shield tumor cells against systemic immune surveillance. A novel angiogenic factor essential for vascular development, Cyr61, has been recently identified as a marker for invasive breast carcinomas. Cyr61 is strongly induced by TGF-beta 1, and may play an important role in the interaction between tumor cells and stromal fibroblasts in tumor growth. In this study, we have demonstrated unique effects of Cyr61 upon normal breast epithelial cells and breast cancer cells. In addition to being able to support cell adhesion and DNA synthesis upon EGF stimulation, Cyr61 can also cooperate with the action of TGF-beta, but only in normal breast epithelial cells and not in cancer cells. These results suggests the possibility that Cyr61, which is known to be induced by TGF-beta, to participate in TGF-beta promoted tumorigenesis. Understanding the precise role of Cyr61 in tumor growth is being investigated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA417109
Entities
People
- Lester F. Lau
Organizations
- University of Illinois at Chicago