A novel role of EMMPRIN/CD147 in transformation of quiescent fibroblasts to cancer-associated fibroblasts by breast cancer cells

Cancer Lett. 2013 Jul 28;335(2):380-6. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2013.02.054. Epub 2013 Mar 6.

Abstract

We tested the novel hypothesis that EMMPRIN/CD147, a transmembrane glycoprotein overexpressed in breast cancer cells, has a previously unknown role in transforming fibroblasts to cancer-associated fibroblasts, and that cancer-associated fibroblasts in turn induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of breast cancer cells. Co-culture of fibroblasts with breast cancer cells or treatment of fibroblasts with breast cancer cell conditioned culture medium or recombinant EMMPRIN/CD147 induced expression of α-SMA in the fibroblasts in an EMMPRIN/CD147-dependent manner and promoted epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of breast cancer cells and enhanced cell migration potential. These findings support a novel role of EMMPRIN/CD147 in regulating the interaction between cancer and stroma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Actins / biosynthesis
  • Actins / metabolism
  • Basigin / genetics
  • Basigin / metabolism*
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic*
  • Coculture Techniques
  • Culture Media, Conditioned / pharmacology
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition*
  • Female
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Humans

Substances

  • ACTA2 protein, human
  • Actins
  • BSG protein, human
  • Culture Media, Conditioned
  • Basigin