Integration of Molecular Profiling and Chemical Imaging to Elucidate Fibroblast-Microenvironment Impact on Cancer Cell Phenotype and Endocrine Resistance in Breast Cancer

摘要: The tumor microenvironment is known to play a key role in altering the properties and behavior of nearby cancer cells. Its influence on resistance endocrine therapy relapse, however, poorly understood. Here we investigate interaction mammary fibroblasts estrogen receptor-positive breast cells three-dimensional culture models order characterize gene expression, cellular changes, secreted protein factors involved cross-talk. We show that fibroblasts, which are predominant cell type found stroma adjacent tumor, induce an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition cells, leading hormone-independent growth, more invasive phenotype, therapy. Here, applied label-free chemical imaging modality, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic imaging, identify had transitioned growth. Both molecular profiles identified here were translated from patient samples: signature was used stratify populations based expression FT-IR biopsies. Our findings underscore promoting aggressiveness ER-positive cancers highlight utility for further characterization samples.