Cancer-associated fibroblasts are the main contributors to epithelial-to-mesenchymal signatures in the tumor microenvironment.

ABSTRACT: Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is associated with tumor initiation, metastasis, and drug resistance. However, the mechanisms underlying these associations are largely unknown. We studied several tumor types to identify the source of EMT gene expression signals and a potential mechanism of resistance to immuno-oncology treatment. Across tumor types, EMT-related gene expression was strongly associated with expression of stroma-related genes. Based on RNA sequencing of multiple patient-derived xenograft models, EMT-related gene expression was enriched in the stroma versus parenchyma. EMT-related markers were predominantly expressed by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), cells of mesenchymal origin which produce a variety of matrix proteins and growth factors. Scores derived from

SUBMITTER: Szabo PM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9944255 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature