Increased RUNX3 expression mediates tumor-promoting ability of human breast cancer-associated fibroblasts.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a major stromal component of human breast cancers and often promote tumor proliferation, progression and malignancy. We previously established an experimental CAF (exp-CAF) cell line equipped with a potent tumor-promoting ability. It was generated through prolonged incubation of immortalized human mammary fibroblasts with human breast cancer cells in a tumor xenograft mouse model.

Results

Herein, we found that the exp-CAFs highly express Runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3), while counterpart fibroblasts do not. In breast cancer patients, the proportion of RUNX3-positive stromal fibroblast-like cells tends to be higher in cancerous regions than in non-cancerous regions. These findings suggest an association of RUNX3

SUBMITTER: Koyama Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10523979 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature