Human Bone marrow-derived MSCs: analysis of their relationship with the tumor stroma

BOLONTRADE, MARCELA F, SGANGA LEONARDO, SORRENTINO MIGUEL A, ROBINSON ANIBAL, PODHAJCER OSVALDO

Denver, CO, USA

Simposio; 100 mo Encuentro Anual - American Association for Cancer Research (AACR); 2009

American Association for Cancer Research

Bone marrow derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are recruited to sites of active tissue remodeling, such as a tumor.  Once recruited, these cells will home into the tumor where they become stromal cells such as fibroblasts, endothelial cells and pericytes. Thus, the contribution of non-local mesenchymal cells to tumor stroma may not only be in terms of providing cellular support for the expanding tumor, but of contributing to the growth permissive properties of tumor stroma. The preferential homing properties of MSCs towards tissues under remodeling and inflammation, make of them suitable tools to design a cell therapy approach for specific tumor targeting. Our purpose is to find MSC subpopulations with a differential behavior in terms of the recruiting / homing response to the tumor. To address these issues we have carried out chemotaxis and adhesion assays, to be able to identify cells that differ in their responsiveness towards a tumor. In vivo assays where also carried out to identify any differential behavior of MSCs within the tumor stroma. We were able to identify subpopulations with a dissimilar behavioral response towards chemotactic agents and with a distinct adhesive response towards ECM proteins. Similarly, in vivo studies revealed differences in the angiogenic response elicited within a tumor. These results will bring insight into the potential richness of MSCs as potential cell therapy agents.