Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Pancreatic Tumor Growth by Inducing Alternative Polarization of Macrophages.

ABSTRACT:

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Pancreatic cancer is characterized by an extensive desmoplastic stroma, the functional relevance of which is poorly understood. Activated fibroblasts are a prevalent component of the stroma, and traditionally, these cells have been considered as a homogenous population derived from pancreatic stellate cells. In this study, we highlight a previously unappreciated heterogeneity of the fibroblast population within the stroma. In particular, a subset of stromal fibroblasts has characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs are present in the normal pancreas as well as in the carcinomatous pancreas (CA-MSCs). Here, we determine that CA-MSCs have increased tumor-promoting function compared with MSCs in normal pancreas. This ability to promote tumor growth is associated

SUBMITTER: Mathew E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4796803 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature