Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026
07:49
Evaluation of Tumor-infiltrating Leukocyte Subsets in a Subcutaneous Tumor Model
Published on: April 13, 2015
An EMILIN1-negative microenvironment promotes tumor cell proliferation and lymph node invasion
Carla Danussi1, Alessandra Petrucco, Bruna Wassermann
1Experimental Oncology 2, CROO-IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Via Franco Gallini, 2, Aviano 33081, Italy.
Cancer Prevention Research (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|July 26, 2012
Summary
Elastic Microfibril Interface Located proteIN (EMILIN1) deficiency accelerates skin tumor development and metastasis. Loss of EMILIN1 promotes tumor cell proliferation, lymphangiogenesis, and spread to lymph nodes, highlighting its protective role.
Area of Science:
- Extracellular matrix biology
- Cancer research
- Tumor microenvironment
Background:
- Elastic Microfibril Interface Located proteIN (EMILIN1) is an extracellular matrix protein.
- EMILIN1 deficiency in mice leads to skin hyperproliferation and lymphatic abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of EMILIN1 in skin tumor development and lymphatic metastasis.
- To determine if EMILIN1 deficiency influences tumor growth, lymphangiogenesis, and metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a two-stage skin carcinogenesis model (DMBA/TPA) in Emilin1(-/-) and wild-type mice.
- Assessed tumor incidence, growth, proliferation (Ki67), signaling pathways (pErk1/2), and PTEN expression.
- Evaluated lymphangiogenesis in tumors and lymph nodes.
- Performed in vitro transmigration assays using tumor cells and lymphatic endothelial cells.
Main Results:
- Emilin1(-/-) mice exhibited accelerated tumor formation, higher incidence, and increased tumor multiplicity.
- EMILIN1-negative tumors showed increased proliferation, elevated pErk1/2, and reduced PTEN expression.
- Enhanced lymphangiogenesis and increased tumor metastasis to lymph nodes were observed in Emilin1(-/-) mice.
- EMILIN1 deficiency facilitated tumor cell trafficking through lymphatic endothelial cells.
Conclusions:
- EMILIN1 plays a protective role against skin tumor development and progression.
- EMILIN1 deficiency promotes tumor growth, lymphangiogenesis, and lymphatic metastasis.
- The presence of EMILIN1 in the tumor microenvironment is crucial for determining tumor phenotype and limiting metastatic spread.
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...