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Updated: Jan 7, 2026
06:35
A Mouse Model to Investigate the Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Tumor Growth
Published on: December 22, 2020
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Neuregulin-1 Secreted by Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Promotes Growth of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Lu Xu1, Hongbo Xu1, Dengsheng Jiang1
1Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, 233000, People's Republic of China.
Breast Cancer (Dove Medical Press)
|January 1, 2026
Summary
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) promote triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) progression by secreting neuregulin-1 (NRG1). Elevated NRG1 in TNBC tissues and serum indicates poor prognosis and offers a potential therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Molecular Oncology
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is aggressive, lacking targeted therapy options.
- Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) influence tumor microenvironment and progression.
- The role of neuregulin-1 (NRG1) and its link to CAFs in TNBC is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate NRG1 expression in TNBC and its association with CAFs.
- To evaluate NRG1 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for TNBC.
- To explore the functional role of CAF-secreted NRG1 in TNBC progression.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of NRG1 mRNA and protein in TNBC tissues and serum.
- Correlation analysis with clinicopathological parameters and survival in 174 patients.
- In vitro and in vivo studies using CAF-conditioned medium and NRG1 knockdown models.
Main Results:
- NRG1 was significantly upregulated in TNBC tissues and serum, correlating with advanced stages and poor prognosis.
- CAFs secreted higher NRG1 levels, enhancing TNBC cell proliferation, migration, and MMP9 expression.
- CAF-conditioned medium promoted tumor growth in vivo, an effect attenuated by NRG1 knockdown.
Conclusions:
- CAF-derived NRG1 contributes to TNBC progression.
- NRG1 shows potential as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target in TNBC.
- Further research is needed to confirm causality and clinical utility.
Keywords:
NRG1biomarkercancer-associated fibroblaststriple-negative breast cancertumor microenvironmentMore Related Videos
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