Droplet microfluidics integrated with machine learning reveals how adipose-derived stem cells modulate endocrine response and tumor heterogeneity in ER⁺ breast cancer.

ABSTRACT: Approximately 70% of breast cancer (BC) diagnoses are estrogen receptor positive (ER⁺) with ∼40% of ER⁺ BC patients presenting de novo resistance to endocrine therapy (ET). Recent studies identify the tumor microenvironment (TME) as having a key role in endocrine resistance in which adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) play an essential role in cancer progression. Prior studies have indicated that ASC characteristics such as age and BMI may play a role in cancer progression. Unfortunately, most studies on ASC-BC cross talk have relied on established two-dimensional (2D) culture systems or the use of conditioned media that cannot replicate the complexity of the three-dimensional (3D) environment. This study used a microfluidic droplet trapping array and thiol-acryl

SUBMITTER: Ortega Quesada BA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12177710 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature