Stress and catecholamines modulate the bone marrow microenvironment to promote tumorigenesis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cell Biology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• The bone marrow (BM) is a favored site for cancer metastasis due to its vascularization and secreted factors.
• Tumor cell colonization in the BM involves interactions with niche cells (osteoblasts, endothelial cells, MSCs), hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), and cytokines.
• Sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation releases catecholamines, which can modulate BM cells and potentially impact cancer progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of catecholamines in tumorigenesis.
• To focus on the pro-tumorigenic effects of catecholamines mediated by the BM niche.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating catecholamines, the bone marrow microenvironment, and cancer metastasis.
• Analysis of the interplay between sympathetic nervous system activity, catecholamine signaling, and cellular components within the BM niche.

Main Results:

• Catecholamines, released by SNS activation, can influence various bone marrow cells.
• These neurochemical signals may contribute to the modulation of cancer cell homing, proliferation, and survival within the BM.
• Evidence suggests catecholamines can promote angiogenesis and alter immune cell function within the BM, favoring tumor progression.

Conclusions:

• Catecholamines play a significant role in mediating pro-tumorigenic effects within the bone marrow microenvironment.
• Targeting the sympathetic nervous system or catecholamine signaling presents a potential therapeutic strategy for managing bone marrow metastasis.