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Bone Marrow Adipocytes: A Link between Obesity and Bone Cancer
Michaela R Reagan1,2,3, Heather Fairfield1,2,3, Clifford J Rosen1,2,3
1Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, Maine, ME 04074, USA.
Cancers
|January 27, 2021
Summary
Bone marrow adipocytes (BMAds) promote the growth of bone cancers. Targeting these fat cells and their factors may lead to new, more effective cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Bone marrow cancers are difficult to treat due to the protective microenvironment.
- Bone marrow adipocytes (BMAds) increase with age and obesity.
- BMAds are increasingly recognized as potential contributors to cancer progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of bone marrow adipocytes' role in bone cancers.
- To identify key research questions and knowledge gaps.
- To stimulate new research and therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on BMAds and bone marrow malignancies.
- Analysis of the interaction between BMAds and various cancer cells.
- Identification of factors produced by BMAds that influence cancer growth.
Main Results:
- Growing consensus indicates BMAds contribute to cancer initiation and progression.
- Specific mechanisms of BMAd interaction with tumor cells are still under investigation.
- Factors secreted by BMAds that affect cancer are a key area for future research.
Conclusions:
- Bone marrow adipocytes represent a promising therapeutic target for bone cancers.
- Further research is crucial to elucidate the precise interactions and develop targeted therapies.
- This review aims to accelerate progress in the field for improved patient outcomes.
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