FOXF1 mediates mesenchymal stem cell fusion-induced reprogramming of lung cancer cells.

ABSTRACT: Several reports suggest that malignant cells generate phenotypic diversity through fusion with various types of stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) is one of the critical components in the tumor microenvironment and a promising fusogenic candidate, but the underlying functions of MSC fusion with malignant cell have not been fully examined. Here, we demonstrate that MSCs fuse spontaneously with lung cancer cells, and the latter is reprogrammed to slow growth and stem-like state. Transcriptome profiles reveal that lung cancer cells are reprogrammed to a more benign state upon MSC fusion. We further identified FOXF1 as a reprogramming mediator that contributes not only to the reprogramming toward stemness but also to the p21-regulated growth suppressio

SUBMITTER: Wei HJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4253450 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature