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A Preclinical Mouse Model of Osteosarcoma to Define the Extracellular Vesicle-mediated Communication Between Tumor and Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Published on: May 6, 2018
Role of cancer-educated mesenchymal stromal cells on tumor progression
Ting Liu1, Shuwei Guo2, Yong Ji3
1School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China.
Abstract:
The malignant tumor is the main cause of human deaths worldwide. Current therapies focusing on the tumor itself have achieved unprecedented benefits. Various pro-tumorigenic factors in the tumor microenvironment (TME) could abolish the effect of cancer therapy. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are one of the substantial components in the tumor microenvironment, contributing to tumor progression. However, MSCs are not inherently tumor-promoting. Indeed, they acquire pro-tumorigenic properties under the education of the TME. We herein review how various elements in the TME including tumor cells, immune cells, pro-inflammatory factors, hypoxia, and extracellular matrix influence the biological characteristics of MSCs through complex interactions and demonstrate the underlying mechanisms. We also highlight the importance of tumor-associated mesenchymal stromal cells (TA-MSCs) in promoting tumor progression. Our review gives a new insight into the TA-MSCs as a potential tumor therapeutic target. It is anticipated that subverting MSCs education will facilitate the outbreak of therapeutic strategies against tumors.
Insights
Malignant tumors are a leading cause of death. Tumor microenvironment factors reprogram mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to promote cancer, suggesting targeting these reprogrammed cells (TA-MSCs) could be a new cancer therapy strategy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Malignant tumors are a major global health concern, with therapies showing benefits.
- The tumor microenvironment (TME) contains factors that can counteract cancer treatments.
- Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are key components of the TME and can be reprogrammed to promote tumor growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review how the TME influences MSC biological characteristics.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which MSCs acquire pro-tumorigenic properties.
- To highlight tumor-associated MSCs (TA-MSCs) as potential therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of interactions within the TME.
- Analysis of how TME components affect MSCs.
- Examination of mechanisms of MSC reprogramming.
Main Results:
- Various TME elements (tumor cells, immune cells, inflammation, hypoxia, ECM) educate MSCs.
- This education confers pro-tumorigenic properties to MSCs, termed TA-MSCs.
- TA-MSCs play a significant role in promoting tumor progression.
Conclusions:
- MSCs are not inherently tumor-promoting but are reprogrammed by the TME.
- TA-MSCs are crucial for tumor progression and represent a viable therapeutic target.
- Modulating MSC reprogramming offers a novel strategy for cancer treatment.
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