Do cancer associated fibroblasts secrete Hepatocyte Growth Factor and Epidermal Growth Factor?5 answersCancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been shown to secrete Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) in multiple studies. Wang et al. demonstrated that CAFs secrete HGF, which activates the c-Met signaling pathway, promoting radioresistance in breast cancer cells. Similarly, Suzuki et al. found that CAFs secreted higher amounts of HGF, contributing to primary resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in lung adenocarcinoma cells. Wanandi et al. also highlighted the association between CAF secretomes and HGF signaling in promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal carcinoma cells. Additionally, CAF-derived chemokine CCL5 was identified to enhance metastasis in Hepatocellular carcinoma, indicating a role of CAFs in promoting HCC progression. However, Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) secretion specifically by CAFs was not explicitly mentioned in the provided contexts.
Cancer-associated fibroblasts enhance the chemoresistance of CD73 hepatocellular carcinoma cancer cells via HGF-Met-ERK1/2 pathway5 answersCancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) contribute to the chemoresistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells expressing CD73 through the HGF-Met-ERK1/2 pathway. CAFs secrete hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which activates c-Met and the MEK-ERK1/2 pathway in HCC cells, leading to upregulated CD73 expression and subsequent chemoresistance to sorafenib and cisplatin. Additionally, CAF-derived HGF enhances the chemoresistant characteristics of CD73+ tumor cells, promoting tumorigenicity in vivo. Furthermore, CAFs promote the stemness properties of CD24+ HCC cells through HGF and IL6 secretion, activating the STAT3 pathway. Targeting the paracrine pathways involving HGF and IL6 may offer a new therapeutic strategy to overcome chemoresistance in HCC.
How do hepatoma cells and fibroblasts communicate within the tumor ecosystem to promote tumor growth and progression?5 answersHepatoma cells and fibroblasts communicate within the tumor ecosystem to promote tumor growth and progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in this communication, with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) being a major component of the TME. CAFs provide physical support and secrete various proteins that can modulate tumor growth and survival. In a direct coculture model, fibronectin from fibroblasts and integrin-α5β1 from hepatoma cells were identified as the primary molecules responsible for promoting cell growth in 3D microstructures. The cross-talk between hepatoma cells and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) also contributes to tumor progression. This cross-talk leads to the deregulation of functionally relevant gene networks, increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and the induction of a proangiogenic microenvironment. Understanding the mechanisms of communication between hepatoma cells and fibroblasts in the TME is important for developing targeted therapeutic strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment.
How emt affects cancer?4 answersEMT, or epithelial-mesenchymal transition, plays a crucial role in cancer progression and metastasis. It is a process where cancer cells acquire mesenchymal characteristics, allowing them to invade surrounding tissues and disseminate to distant organs. EMT also contributes to the development of cancer stem cells, which have increased tumorigenicity and the ability to initiate and propagate tumors. EMT is regulated by various factors, including transcription factors, post-translational control, epigenetic modifications, and noncoding RNA-mediated regulation. Additionally, EMT is associated with several malignant properties of tumor cells, such as enhanced migration and invasiveness, increased tumor stemness, and resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Understanding the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in EMT is crucial for developing targeted therapies to inhibit cancer metastasis and overcome treatment resistance.
How hypoxia promotes EMT in cancers?4 answersHypoxia promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancers through various mechanisms. One mechanism involves the upregulation of the chromatin regulator CTCF under hypoxia, which contributes to EMT promotion in breast cancer cells. Another mechanism is the activation of a positive-feedback histone methylation-MAPK signaling axis, which leads to a long-lasting EMT in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), the synergy between hypoxia and interleukin-6 (IL-6) induces EMT through the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and STAT3 signaling pathway. In nephroblastoma, hypoxia and inflammation upregulate the long noncoding RNA HOXA11-AS, which promotes EMT through the Wnt signaling pathway. Overall, hypoxia-induced factors such as CTCF, histone methylation, IL-6, and HIF-1α play crucial roles in promoting EMT in various types of cancers.
What are the mechanisms underlying EGFR-mediated EMT invasion in HNSCC?5 answersEGFR-mediated EMT invasion in HNSCC involves multiple mechanisms. One mechanism is the activation of the MAPK and Akt pathways through EGFR signaling, which promotes cell proliferation and EMT. Another mechanism is the engagement of EGFR in cross talk with TGF-β1/Smad canonical signaling, which further activates EMT. Additionally, EGFR signaling is influenced by cell membrane components such as CD44 and ERM binding protein, as well as MMPs and scaffolding proteins that form links with the cytoskeletal machinery. These components play a role in modulating EGFR signaling and promoting EMT. Overall, the mechanisms underlying EGFR-mediated EMT invasion in HNSCC involve the activation of signaling pathways, cross talk with other signaling pathways, and the involvement of cell membrane components and cytoskeletal machinery.