Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026
08:17
A Proximal Culture Method to Study Paracrine Signaling Between Cells
Published on: August 28, 2018
Microenvironmental regulation of cancer development
1Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, D740C, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Current Opinion in Genetics & Development
|February 20, 2008
Summary
The tumor microenvironment actively drives cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. Understanding how stromal cells influence tumor behavior offers new therapeutic and preventative strategies for cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Tumor Microenvironment Research
Background:
- The tumor microenvironment (TME) is increasingly recognized for its active role in carcinogenesis, not just as a passive bystander.
- Cells within the TME, including epithelial and stromal cells, undergo significant phenotypic and epigenetic alterations during tumor progression.
- Paracrine signaling between different cell types in the TME is crucial for regulating key cancer hallmarks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment influence cancer progression.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets within the stromal compartment for cancer treatment and prevention.
Main Methods:
- This study synthesizes existing research on the TME's role in cancer.
- Focuses on analyzing the molecular signaling pathways involved in cell-cell communication within the TME.
- Reviews evidence on phenotypic and epigenetic changes in tumor and stromal cells.
Main Results:
- Stromal cells actively contribute to tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis.
- Paracrine signaling between epithelial and stromal cells regulates cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis.
- Epigenetic and phenotypic changes in tumor and stromal cells are integral to tumor development.
Conclusions:
- A deeper understanding of the molecular crosstalk between stromal cells and cancer cells is essential.
- Targeting stromal cell functions presents promising avenues for novel cancer therapeutics and preventative strategies.
Related Concept Videos
02:17The Tumor Microenvironment
Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...
02:17The Tumor Microenvironment
Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...
02:59Cancer Prevention
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
01:37Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
X-chromosome...
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
03:03mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
The mTOR pathway or the...