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Published on: May 6, 2018
Signaling crosstalk between mesenchymal stem cells and tumor cells: Implications for tumor suppression or progression
Mojtaba Taheri1, Hossein Abdul Tehrani1, Sadegh Dehghani2
1Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been extensively used in various therapeutic applications over the last two decades, particularly in regenerative medicine and cancer treatment. MSCs have the ability to differentiate into mesodermal and non-mesodermal lineages, which makes them a popular choice in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Studies have shown that MSCs have inherent tumor-suppressive properties and can affect the behavior of multiple cells contributing to tumor development. Additionally, MSCs possess a tumor tropism property and have a hypoimmune nature. The intrinsic features of MSCs along with their potential to undergo genetic manipulation and be loaded with various anticancer therapeutics have motivated researchers to use them in different cancer therapy approaches without considering their complex dynamic biological aspects. However, despite their desirable features, several reports have shown that MSCs possess tumor-supportive properties. These contradictory results signify the sophisticated nature of MSCs and warn against the potential therapeutic applications of MSCs. Therefore, researchers should meticulously consider the biological properties of MSCs in preclinical and clinical studies to avoid any undesirable outcomes. This manuscript reviews preclinical studies on MSCs and cancer from the last two decades, discusses how MSC properties affect tumor progression and explains the mechanisms behind tumor suppressive and supportive functions. It also highlights critical cellular pathways that could be targeted in future studies to improve the safety and effectiveness of MSC-based therapies for cancer treatment. The insights obtained from this study will pave the way for further clinical research on MSCs and development of more effective cancer treatments.
Insights
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show dual roles in cancer, acting as both tumor suppressors and promoters. Understanding these complex biological properties is crucial for safe and effective MSC-based cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Cancer Research
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely explored for regenerative medicine and cancer therapy due to their differentiation potential and immune-evasive properties.
- MSCs exhibit tumor tropism and possess inherent properties that can influence tumor development, leading to their investigation in various therapeutic strategies.
- Despite promising features, conflicting reports highlight both tumor-suppressive and tumor-supportive roles of MSCs in cancer, underscoring their complex biological nature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review preclinical studies on MSCs and cancer over the past two decades.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying both tumor-suppressive and tumor-supportive functions of MSCs.
- To identify critical cellular pathways for enhancing the safety and efficacy of MSC-based cancer therapies.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of preclinical research on mesenchymal stem cells and cancer.
- Analysis of studies investigating MSC properties, tumor progression, and cellular mechanisms.
- Identification of key pathways for future therapeutic targeting.
Main Results:
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) demonstrate a complex, context-dependent role in cancer, exhibiting both tumor-suppressive and tumor-supportive characteristics.
- The dual function of MSCs is attributed to their dynamic biological properties and interactions within the tumor microenvironment.
- Preclinical evidence indicates that MSCs can either inhibit or promote tumor growth and metastasis depending on various factors.
Conclusions:
- The multifaceted nature of MSCs in cancer necessitates careful consideration of their biological properties in preclinical and clinical research.
- Understanding the intricate mechanisms of MSCs' pro- and anti-tumor effects is vital for developing safe and effective MSC-based cancer treatments.
- Targeting specific cellular pathways involved in MSC-cancer interactions holds promise for optimizing future therapeutic strategies and improving patient outcomes.
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