Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
10:33
Molecular Profiling of the Invasive Tumor Microenvironment in a 3-Dimensional Model of Colorectal Cancer Cells and Ex vivo Fibroblasts
Published on: April 29, 2014
Stromal and epithelial networks: Temporal gene expression profiling during invasive neoplasia
Arianne M Wilson1, Jacqueline Banyard
1Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, MA, USA.
Cell Adhesion & Migration
|October 16, 2009
Summary
Tumor progression involves complex interactions between cancer cells and their microenvironment. Targeting extracellular matrix genes, like integrin beta(1), can inhibit tumor growth, offering new therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Tumorigenesis is influenced by interactions between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing effective cancer therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gene expression changes during epithelial neoplasia progression.
- To identify key molecular players and interactions driving tumor development using network modeling.
- To validate potential therapeutic targets identified through network analysis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a Ras-inducible model of human epithelial neoplasia in grafted skin on immune-deficient mice.
- Profiled epithelial and stromal gene expression during progression from quiescent to invasive neoplasia.
- Developed a core tumor progression signature (CTPS) and employed network modeling to analyze molecular interactions.
Main Results:
- Identified a core tumor progression signature (CTPS) with clinical relevance across multiple cancer types.
- Network modeling revealed highly interconnected hubs dominated by extracellular matrix genes, notably integrin beta(1).
- Targeting integrin beta(1) functionality significantly reduced Ras-driven tumorigenesis in vivo.
Conclusions:
- Integrated temporal gene expression analysis and network modeling effectively identify critical targets in tumor development.
- Extracellular matrix components, such as integrin beta(1), are key regulators of tumor progression.
- This approach provides a robust strategy for discovering novel therapeutic targets in cancer.
