Collagen-binding proteoglycan fibromodulin can determine stroma matrix structure and fluid balance in experimental carcinoma.

ABSTRACT: Research on the biology of the tumor stroma has the potential to lead to development of more effective treatment regimes enhancing the efficacy of drug-based treatment of solid malignancies. Tumor stroma is characterized by distorted blood vessels and activated connective tissue cells producing a collagen-rich matrix, which is accompanied by elevated interstitial fluid pressure (IFP), indicating a transport barrier between tumor tissue and blood. Here, we show that the collagen-binding proteoglycan fibromodulin controls stroma structure and fluid balance in experimental carcinoma. Gene ablation or inhibition of expression by anti-inflammatory agents showed that fibromodulin promoted the formation of a dense stroma and an elevated IFP. Fibromodulin-deficiency did not affect vasculature but

SUBMITTER: Oldberg A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1955775 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature