Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 17, 2025

Studying the Effects of Tumor-Secreted Paracrine Ligands on Macrophage Activation using Co-Culture with Permeable Membrane Supports
07:44

Studying the Effects of Tumor-Secreted Paracrine Ligands on Macrophage Activation using Co-Culture with Permeable Membrane Supports

Published on: November 28, 2019

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EGFR/Ras-induced CCL20 production modulates the tumour microenvironment

Andreas Hippe1, Stephan Alexander Braun1,2, Péter Oláh1,3

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.

British Journal of Cancer
|July 1, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The EGFR/Ras pathway drives tumor growth by producing CCL20, which promotes angiogenesis. Targeting the CCL20-CCR6 axis offers a new cancer therapy strategy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/Ras signaling pathway activation in tumor cells influences the tumor microenvironment via chemokine production.
  • This study investigates the role of CCL20, a key chemokine, in tumor progression and angiogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the effects of EGFR/Ras on CCL20 expression and translation in epithelial cancers.
  • To investigate the role of CCL20 in tumor-associated vascularization and endothelial cell migration.
  • To evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting the CCL20-CCR6 axis.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and ELISA were used to analyze CCL20 expression in cancer cell lines and tissues.
  • Immunohistochemistry was employed to verify CCL20 production in tumors and correlate it with clinical data.
  • Chemotaxis assays and studies in CCR6-deficient mice were conducted to assess CCL20's effects on endothelial cells and tumor vascularization.

Main Results:

  • EGFR/Ras-induced CCL20 production facilitates tumor progression, correlating with advanced stage, lymph node metastasis, and reduced patient survival.
  • Microvascular endothelial cells express the CCL20 receptor CCR6, and CCR6 signaling promotes angiogenesis.
  • CCR6 deficiency in stromal cells significantly reduced tumor growth and vascularization in mice.

Conclusions:

  • The CCL20-CCR6 chemokine axis is a novel target for modulating the tumor microenvironment.
  • Targeting this axis presents an innovative multimodal strategy for cancer therapy.

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