Abstract A25: Cytometric atlas of the human breast: Comprehensive characterization reveals 12 distinct cell populations

Abstract

Abstract Since formulation of the cellular theory in the early 19th century—relatively not so long ago—it has become universally recognized that tissues and organisms are formed and shaped by cells of many different types, all operating in beautiful harmony. Many mechanisms of this orchestration remain largely a mystery to this day, yet are important for us to understand if we are to fully comprehend fundamental processes in disease, especially one as formidable and perplexing as cancer. In the current era of progressive technological advances, many areas of biology are converging, and we now recognize and expect differences between cells, even among those of the same type, but whose origins rest in different tissues. Yet, many core tenets are being universally applied. The detailed cellular composition of tissues is clouded with uncertainty for many tissue types, and this includes the breast. To clarify the cell types in the breast and build a solid foundation for future work, we have meticulously examined a large collection of normal breast tissues, microscopically and by flow cytometry. We developed a complex antibody panel and rigorous gating strategy capable of objectively resolving and sorting each major cell type. We have sequenced mRNAs expressed by even the rarest of cell subpopulations and refined or developed methods for culturing each. This includes: several different luminal and epithelial fractions, myoepithelial cells, adipocytes, leukocytes, pericytes, erythrocytes, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells, and both lymphatic and vascular endothelial cells –12 different types in all. Future studies are aimed at developing heterotypic culture models using these cells, but also to use our new knowledge and experience to similarly explore heterogeneity of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive breast cancers. We will present the development of this method and characterization to date of the sorted cell populations. Citation Format: William Curtis Hines, Ambrose Carr, Kate Thi, Zhenmao Wan, Dana Pe'er, Mina J. Bissell. Cytometric atlas of the human breast: Comprehensive characterization reveals 12 distinct cell populations. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Breast Cancer Research; Oct 17-20, 2015; Bellevue, WA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2016;14(2_Suppl):Abstract nr A25.