We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
INTEGRA BIOSCIENCES AG

Download Mobile App




Conditions in the Tumor Microenvironment Change Role of p53

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 09 Aug 2018
Print article
Image: The effects of p53 in cancer-associated fibroblasts on cancer cell migration: Cancer cells (magenta) migrate in the direction of cancer-associated fibroblasts (yellow) that express a non-mutated p53 gene (left); this migration slows down (center) when the p53 in the fibroblasts is silenced; when substances released by the cancer-associated fibroblasts are added to the laboratory dish, the migration is restored (right) (Photo courtesy of the Weizmann Institute of Science).
Image: The effects of p53 in cancer-associated fibroblasts on cancer cell migration: Cancer cells (magenta) migrate in the direction of cancer-associated fibroblasts (yellow) that express a non-mutated p53 gene (left); this migration slows down (center) when the p53 in the fibroblasts is silenced; when substances released by the cancer-associated fibroblasts are added to the laboratory dish, the migration is restored (right) (Photo courtesy of the Weizmann Institute of Science).
Cancer researchers have found that changes occurring in the tumor microenvironment manipulate the activity of fibroblast p53 protein, causing it to promote rather than restrict cancer growth.

Cancer cells coexist with noncancerous adjacent cells that constitute the tumor microenvironment and impact tumor growth through diverse mechanisms. In particular, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) promote tumor progression in multiple ways. Earlier studies have revealed that in in contrast to the situation in CAFs, p53 in normal fibroblasts (NFs) plays a tumor-suppressive role to restrict tumor growth.

Investigators at the Weizmann Institute of Science (Rehovot, Israel) set out to study the role of p53 in CAFs. To carry out this research, they used a combination of cell culture and a cancer-carrying mouse model.

The investigators reported in the June 19, 2018, issue of the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America that the transcriptional program supported by p53 was altered substantially in CAFs relative to NFs. In agreement, the secretion of proteins dependent on p53 was also altered in CAFs. This transcriptional rewiring rendered p53 a significant contributor to the distinct intrinsic features of CAFs, as well as promoted tumor cell migration and invasion in culture.

The ability of CAFs to promote tumor growth in mice was greatly compromised by depletion of their endogenous p53. Furthermore, co-cultivation of NFs with cancer cells partially rendered their p53-dependent transcriptome to be more similar to that of CAFs.

The investigators concluded by saying, "Our findings raise the intriguing possibility that tumor progression may entail a nonmutational conversion (“education”) of stromal p53, from tumor suppressive to tumor supportive."

Related Links:
Weizmann Institute of Science

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Specimen Collection & Transport
Complement 3 (C3) Test
GPP-100 C3 Kit
New
Gold Member
Fully Automated Cell Density/Viability Analyzer
BioProfile FAST CDV

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The cobas Malaria test is the first FDA-approved molecular test to screen U.S. blood donors for malaria (Photo courtesy of Roche)

First FDA-Approved Molecular Test to Screen Blood Donors for Malaria Could Improve Patient Safety

Malaria, a serious illness that often leads to death, is spread by a specific mosquito species that infect humans with a parasite. Other transmission modes include blood transfusions, organ transplants,... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The medical office procedure detects the key biomarker in Parkinson’s and related neurodegenerative diseases (Photo courtesy of BIDMC)

Simple Skin Biopsy Test Detects Parkinson’s and Related Neurodegenerative Diseases

Parkinson's disease and a group of related neurodegenerative disorders known as synucleinopathies impact millions globally. These conditions, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.