Molecular mechanisms of tumor-driven mesenchymal stromal cells differentiation

Project leader: Lucia Kučerová
Project duration: 2011 - 2014

Human mesenchymal stromal cells have been added to the list of numerous non-malignant cells contributing to tumor microenvironment thereby influencing tumor growth and progression. Multiple molecular mechanisms may be responsible for this process. Tumor produced paracrine factors are capable of driving molecular changes leading towards the differentiation of MSC into cells with the properties of carcinoma associated fibroblast phenotype. MSC interaction with particular tumor cells is either tumor supportive or suppressive, and the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. We hypothesize that it is the tumor dictated process of molecular changes in MSC responsible for the tumor growth support/inhibition. Capability to interfere with the appropriate molecules may bring new options to target tumor stroma therapeutically or reproduce stromal interactions in tumor in more complex models.

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