Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as the activated fibroblasts in tumor stroma, are important modifiers of tumor progression. However, the mechanisms underlying stromal fibroblast activation and their promotion of tumor growth remain largely unknown in gastric cancer. Here, we show that normal fibroblasts (NFs) from non-cancerous regions of gastric cancer exhibit the traits of CAFs when grown together with gastric cancer cells in vivo. Activation of NFs can be induced by co-culture with gastric cancer cells, while deprivation of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) using a neutralizing antibody inhibits the activation of NFs. Moreover, we identify HGF as an important factor from CAFs that acts in a paracrine manner to promote tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, these results suggest that HGF may play a pivotal role in the regulatory circuit between gastric cancer cells and stromal fibroblasts, and neutralization of HGF inhibits both activation and tumor-promoting properties of CAFs.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
