Adipose Stromal Cell Heterogeneity and Trafficking: Implications for Breast Cancer Metastasis and Obesity

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have been extensively investigated for regeneration and tissue engineering applications owing to their inherent regenerative ability. However, the effects of various species and depot-specific extraction sites on ASC differentiation and renewal capacity have yet to be explored thoroughly, limiting the clinical use of ASCs. Despite promising clinical results, ASCs are also associated with poor disease outcomes, specifically in the context of breast cancer and obesity. Only when ASC-driven obesity and breast cancer are understood separately will the connection between the two diseases and the ASC-associated effects therein be fully established. Therefore, this review aimed to assess the behavioral differences of ASCs from various large mammalian species and human-derived anatomical niches. This review analyzes ASC migration, the role of ASCs in breast cancer progression and immune modulation, and breast cancer-driven ASC dysfunction to further the understanding of ASCs for future clinical applications.