Phenotypic and genetic alterations in mammary stroma: implications for tumour progression.
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Schor SL, Schor AM
Phenotypic and genetic alterations in mammary stroma: implications for tumour progression.
Breast Cancer Res. 2001;3(6):373-9. Epub 2001 Sep 6.
- PubMed ID
- 11737888 [ View in PubMed]
- Abstract
In addition to the well documented role of cytokines in mediating tissue-level interactions, it is now clear that matrix macromolecules fulfil a complementary regulatory function. Data highlighted in the present review extend the repertoire of matrix signalling mechanisms, (1) introducing the concept of 'matrikines', these defined as proteinase-generated fragments of matrix macromolecules that display cryptic bioactivities not manifested by the native, full-length form of the molecule, and (2) indicating that a previously identified motogenic factor (migration stimulating factor [MSF]) produced by foetal and cancer patient fibroblasts is a genetically generated truncated isoform of fibronectin, which displays bioactivities cryptic in all previously identified fibronectin isoforms. These observations are discussed in the context of the contribution of a 'foetal-like' stroma to the progression of breast cancer.