Breast cancers can recruit bone cells to increase tumor growth
Researchers at WashU Medicine have shown that cells originating in bone and best known for their role in bone formation are recruited to primary breast tumors, where they become cancer-associated fibroblasts, a type of cell that helps create the environment tumors need to grow.
Researchers at Washington University Medicine have discovered that cells from the bone, typically known for bone formation, are recruited to primary breast tumors. These bone-derived cells transform into cancer-associated fibroblasts, supporting the environment tumors require for growth. Led by Roberta Faccio, a professor of orthopedics and research member at Siteman Cancer Center, the team analyzed human tissue samples and found that up to 40% of cancer-associated fibroblasts expressed Osterix, a key marker of osteoblasts that regulate bone formation.
The study, published in Nature Communications, suggests that breast tumors actively recruit bone cells, which are not typically found freely in the bloodstream. Using mouse models, Faccio and her team observed that tumors stimulate the release of these bone cells into the bloodstream, where they infiltrate growing tumors. These bone-derived cells produce the extracellular connective structure and proteins that support tumor growth.
Furthermore, the researchers identified a genetic signature in these cells associated with poor breast cancer survival. Targeting Osterix and another molecule called MMP13, both linked to the tumor-promoting activity of these bone-derived fibroblasts, reduced tumor growth in mice experiments. The findings imply that targeting these bone-derived cells in breast tumors could slow disease progression and improve patient outcomes.
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