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Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Modeling Breast Cancer in Human Breast Tissue using a Microphysiological System

Modeling Breast Cancer in Human Breast Tissue using a Microphysiological System

Published on: April 23, 2021

Mechanistic Links Between Obesity and Breast Cancer Progression: Cellular Crosstalk, Metabolic Reprogramming and

Charlise Basson^1,2, Michael S Pepper², Anna M Joubert³

¹Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.

Cell Biochemistry and Function

|July 13, 2026

Summary

Obesity significantly impacts breast cancer progression through complex mechanisms. Understanding these links, including inflammation and metabolic changes, is key to developing targeted therapies for obesity-related cancers.

Keywords:

adipokines adipose tissue breast cancer cancer metabolism obesity oxidative stress tumour microenvironment

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Isolation and Culturing of Primary Murine Adipocytes from Lean and Obese Mice

Isolation and Culturing of Primary Murine Adipocytes from Lean and Obese Mice

Published on: January 24, 2025

Area of Science:

Oncology
Metabolic Syndrome
Cancer Biology

Background:

Obesity is a growing concern linked to increased cancer progression, especially in breast cancer.
The precise cellular and molecular pathways connecting obesity and breast cancer remain incompletely understood.
Existing theories propose complex crosstalk between adipose tissue and tumors, involving local and systemic factors.

Purpose of the Study:

To review current theories on the cellular and molecular mechanisms linking obesity to breast cancer progression.
To highlight the roles of inflammation, oxidative stress, metabolic reprogramming, and the tumor microenvironment.
To explore how adipose tissue characteristics influence these interactions and impact cancer outcomes.

Main Methods:

Literature review of existing theories and research.
Synthesis of information on cellular and molecular mechanisms.
Analysis of the role of adipose tissue characteristics (type, location).

Main Results:

Obesity influences breast cancer via inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic alterations.
Adipose tissue crosstalk with tumors involves complex local and distant signaling.
Tumor microenvironment is significantly modulated by obesity-related factors.
Adipose tissue type and location distinctly affect breast cancer risk and progression.

Conclusions:

Understanding obesity-driven breast cancer mechanisms is crucial for targeted therapy development.
Adipose tissue characteristics are critical determinants in obesity-related breast cancer.
Further research into these pathways may lead to novel therapeutic strategies.