TRIM16 mediates secretory autophagy in head and neck cancer-associated fibroblasts.

ABSTRACT: Improving treatment options for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) requires a deeper understanding of the tumor microenvironment, particularly cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). We previously reported that HNSCC-derived FGF2/bFGF (fibroblast growth factor 2) triggers cytokine release from CAFs via secretory autophagy. Here, using transmission electron microscopy, live-cell imaging, and immunofluorescence, we show that CAF autophagosomes transport cargo, including IL6, to the plasma membrane for secretion. Autophagy in CAFs is constitutive and independent of STAT3, MAPK1/ERK2-MAPK3/ERK1 and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling. Despite the significant role of secretory autophagy in CAFs, its molecular machinery has remained elusive. Using both a literature based, and an

SUBMITTER: Ly T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12362711 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature