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Full-Text Articles in Cell and Developmental Biology
Tumor Cell-Organized Fibronectin Is Required To Maintain A Dormant Breast Cancer Population, Lauren E. Barney, Christopher L. Hall, Alyssa D. Schwartz, Akia N. Parks, Christopher Sparages, Sualyneth Galarza, Manu O. Platt, Arthur M. Mercurio, Shelly R. Peyton
Tumor Cell-Organized Fibronectin Is Required To Maintain A Dormant Breast Cancer Population, Lauren E. Barney, Christopher L. Hall, Alyssa D. Schwartz, Akia N. Parks, Christopher Sparages, Sualyneth Galarza, Manu O. Platt, Arthur M. Mercurio, Shelly R. Peyton
Arthur M. Mercurio
Tumors can undergo long periods of dormancy, with cancer cells entering a largely quiescent, non-proliferative state before reactivation and outgrowth. For a patient, these post-remission tumors are often drug resistant and highly aggressive, resulting in poor prognosis. To understand the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in regulating tumor dormancy, we created an in vitro cell culture system that combines carefully controlled ECM substrates with nutrient deprivation to observe entrance into and exit from dormancy with live imaging. We saw that cell populations capable of surviving entrance into long-term dormancy were heterogeneous, containing quiescent, cell cycle arrested, and actively proliferating …
Vegf/Neuropilin Signaling In Cancer Stem Cells, Arthur M. Mercurio
Vegf/Neuropilin Signaling In Cancer Stem Cells, Arthur M. Mercurio
Arthur M. Mercurio
The function of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in cancer extends beyond angiogenesis and vascular permeability. Specifically, VEGF-mediated signaling occurs in tumor cells and this signaling contributes to key aspects of tumorigenesis including the self-renewal and survival of cancer stem cells (CSCs). In addition to VEGF receptor tyrosine kinases, the neuropilins (NRPs) are critical for mediating the effects of VEGF on CSCs, primarily because of their ability to impact the function of growth factor receptors and integrins. VEGF/NRP signaling can regulate the expression and function of key molecules that have been implicated in CSC function including Rho family guanosine triphosphatases …