Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 30, 2026
11:48
Detection of Alternative Splicing During Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Published on: October 9, 2014
12.5K
Variety in the tumor microenvironment: integrin splicing regulates stemness
Laetitia Seguin1, Sara M Weis1, David A Cheresh1
1Department of Pathology and Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
Cell Stem Cell
|May 6, 2014
Summary
Cellular heterogeneity in triple-negative breast cancer was investigated. Researchers found differences in α6 integrin expression between cell types, with mesenchymal cells using VEGF signaling to drive cancer stem cell functions.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) exhibits significant cellular heterogeneity.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving TNBC heterogeneity is crucial for developing effective therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify mechanisms underlying cellular heterogeneity in triple-negative breast cancer.
- To investigate the role of α6 integrin and its splice variants in TNBC subpopulations.
- To explore the reliance of mesenchymal TNBC cells on VEGF signaling for cancer stem cell function.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of α6 integrin and its splice variants expression in epithelial and mesenchymal TNBC subpopulations.
- Investigation of VEGF signaling pathways in cancer stem cell function.
Main Results:
- Differential expression of α6 integrin and its splice variants was observed between epithelial and mesenchymal TNBC cells.
- Mesenchymal TNBC cells were found to rely on VEGF signaling.
- VEGF signaling promotes cancer stem cell function in mesenchymal TNBC subpopulations.
Conclusions:
- α6 integrin expression patterns contribute to cellular heterogeneity in TNBC.
- VEGF signaling is a key pathway for cancer stem cell maintenance in mesenchymal TNBC cells.
- Targeting α6 integrin or VEGF signaling may offer therapeutic strategies for TNBC.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:17The Tumor Microenvironment
6.3K
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...
6.3K
02:17The Tumor Microenvironment
2.7K
2.7K
02:40Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Maintenance
4.3K
Early diagnosis and treatment can often cure cancer. However, even with treatment, residual cells called cancer stem cells (CSC) might remain, often causing tumor recurrence. These cancer stem cells possess the potential for self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation and are often responsible for the therapeutic resistance displayed in most cancers.
Cancer stem cells are thought to originate from tissue-specific normal stem cells or progenitor cells. The normal stem cells usually reside in...
Cancer stem cells are thought to originate from tissue-specific normal stem cells or progenitor cells. The normal stem cells usually reside in...
4.3K
02:40Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Maintenance
2.0K
2.0K
01:15Activation of Integrins
4.3K
Integrins bind ligands and transmit information from outside the cell to inside or vice-versa through an "outside-in signaling" or "inside-out signaling."
In "outside-in signaling," external factors in the extracellular space bind to exposed ligand binding sites on integrins. This causes the inactive protein to undergo a conformational change to become active. Integrins are often clustered on the cell membrane. Repetitive and regularly spaced ligand binding...
In "outside-in signaling," external factors in the extracellular space bind to exposed ligand binding sites on integrins. This causes the inactive protein to undergo a conformational change to become active. Integrins are often clustered on the cell membrane. Repetitive and regularly spaced ligand binding...
4.3K
01:17Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
2.8K
Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
Some...
2.8K