Placental growth factor promotes tumour desmoplasia and treatment resistance in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC)-a rare liver malignancy with limited therapeutic options-is characterised by aggressive progression, desmoplasia and vascular abnormalities. The aim of this study was to determine the role of placental growth factor (PlGF) in ICC progression.

Design

We evaluated the expression of PlGF in specimens from ICC patients and assessed the therapeutic effect of genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of PlGF in orthotopically grafted ICC mouse models. We evaluated the impact of PlGF stimulation or blockade in ICC cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) using in vitro 3-D coculture systems.

Results

PlGF levels were elevated in human ICC stromal cells and circulating blood plasma and were associated with disease progression. Si

SUBMITTER: Aoki S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8666816 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature