Premium
Mesenchymal stem cells in the colorectal tumor microenvironment: Recent progress and implications
Author(s) -
Hogan Niamh M.,
Dwyer Roisin M.,
Joyce Myles R.,
Kerin Michael J.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
international journal of cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.475
H-Index - 234
eISSN - 1097-0215
pISSN - 0020-7136
DOI - 10.1002/ijc.27458
Subject(s) - mesenchymal stem cell , tumor microenvironment , colorectal cancer , stromal cell , cancer research , stem cell , biology , cancer stem cell , cancer , immune system , medicine , immunology , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are nonhematopoietic multipotent adult stem cells. They have been shown to have a natural tropism for many tumors types, including colorectal, and are capable of escaping host immune surveillance. MSCs are known to engraft at tumors and integrate into their architecture, potentially as carcinoma‐associated fibroblasts. In contrast with other malignancies, our understanding of the interactions between colorectal cancer cells and MSCs remains limited. Considering the established importance of inflammation in the colorectal cancer primary tumor microenvironment and the role of stromal cells in this process, there is a potential wealth of information to be gleaned from further investigation of interactions between these cell populations. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition is central to colorectal cancer progression and MSCs have also been implicated in this process. This review explores the current knowledge (both in vitro and in vivo ) of interactions between colorectal cancer cells and MSCs. It highlights potential effects of cell source, number and ratio on outcome of in vivo studies and explores strategies to more accurately explore their role in the primary tumor microenvironment. As our understanding of the underlying molecular processes in colorectal cancer develops, elucidation of these interactions will be central to development of novel therapeutic strategies for this prevalent disease.