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Wounds that will not heal: pervasive cellular reprogramming in cancer
1Cancer Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
The American Journal of Pathology
|February 27, 2013
Summary
Cellular reprogramming, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, significantly impacts the tumor microenvironment. Understanding this plasticity is key to advancing cancer research and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- The tumor microenvironment is influenced by cellular reprogramming, such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
- Historical interest in parallels between wound healing and tumor stroma dates back to Virchow.
- Previous focus on extracellular matrix dynamics is shifting towards cellular plasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To trace the evolution of understanding cellular reprogramming in cancer.
- To highlight the reciprocal influence between epithelial and stromal cells.
- To discuss the impact and future directions of this research.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical literature and contemporary research.
- Analysis of studies focusing on epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cellular plasticity.
- Case examples from breast cancer research.
Main Results:
- The field has evolved from focusing on the extracellular matrix to understanding cellular plasticity.
- Reciprocal influences between proliferating epithelia and stroma are increasingly recognized.
- EMT and related processes are critical modulators of the tumor microenvironment.
Conclusions:
- Cellular plasticity and reprogramming are central to tumor microenvironment dynamics.
- Continued research into these processes is crucial for advancing cancer pathology.
- Understanding these mechanisms offers new avenues for therapeutic strategies.
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