Data from Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Induce Metabolic Plasticity in Estrogen Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer

Abstract

<div>Abstract<p>Cancer cells reprogram energy metabolism through metabolic plasticity, adapting ATP-generating pathways in response to treatment or microenvironmental changes. Such adaptations enable cancer cells to resist standard therapy. We employed a coculture model of estrogen receptor–positive (ER<sup>+</sup>) breast cancer and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to model interactions of cancer cells with stromal microenvironments. Using single-cell endogenous and engineered biosensors for cellular metabolism, coculture with MSCs increased oxidative phosphorylation, intracellular ATP, and resistance of cancer cells to standard therapies. Cocultured cancer cells had increased MCT4, a lactate transporter, and were sensitive to the MCT1/4 inhibitor syrosingopine. Combining syrosingopine with fulvestrant, a selective estrogen receptor degrading drug, overcame resistance of ER<sup>+</sup> breast cancer cells in coculture with MSCs. Treatment with antiestrogenic therapy increased metabolic plasticity and maintained intracellular ATP levels, while MCT1/4 inhibition successfully limited metabolic transitions and decreased ATP levels. Furthermore, MCT1/4 inhibition decreased heterogenous metabolic treatment responses versus antiestrogenic therapy. These data establish MSCs as a mediator of cancer cell metabolic plasticity and suggest metabolic interventions as a promising strategy to treat ER<sup>+</sup> breast cancer and overcome resistance to standard clinical therapies.</p>Implications:<p>This study reveals how MSCs reprogram metabolism of ER<sup>+</sup> breast cancer cells and point to MCT4 as potential therapeutic target to overcome resistance to antiestrogen drugs.</p></div>