Molecular characterization of the tumor microenvironment in breast cancer

Cancer Cell. 2004 Jul;6(1):17-32. doi: 10.1016/j.ccr.2004.06.010.

Abstract

Here we describe the comprehensive gene expression profiles of each cell type composing normal breast tissue and in situ and invasive breast carcinomas using serial analysis of gene expression. Based on these data, we determined that extensive gene expression changes occur in all cell types during cancer progression and that a significant fraction of altered genes encode secreted proteins and receptors. Despite the dramatic gene expression changes in all cell types, genetic alterations were detected only in cancer epithelial cells. The CXCL14 and CXCL12 chemokines overexpressed in tumor myoepithelial cells and myofibroblasts, respectively, bind to receptors on epithelial cells and enhance their proliferation, migration, and invasion. Thus, chemokines may play a role in breast tumorigenesis by acting as paracrine factors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Breast / metabolism
  • Breast / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Carcinoma in Situ / genetics
  • Carcinoma in Situ / metabolism
  • Carcinoma in Situ / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / pathology
  • Cell Division
  • Cell Movement
  • Chemokine CXCL12
  • Chemokines, CXC / genetics
  • Chemokines, CXC / metabolism
  • Disease Progression
  • Epithelium / metabolism
  • Epithelium / pathology
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Gene Library
  • Humans
  • Muscle, Smooth / cytology
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / pathology
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics*
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • CXCL12 protein, human
  • CXCL14 protein, human
  • Chemokine CXCL12
  • Chemokines, CXC
  • Neoplasm Proteins