CD38 in cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes pro-tumoral activity

Lab Invest. 2020 Dec;100(12):1517-1531. doi: 10.1038/s41374-020-0458-8. Epub 2020 Jul 1.

Abstract

Primary and metastatic melanoma progression are supported by a local microenvironment comprising, inter alia, of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). We previously reported in orthotropic/syngeneic mouse models that the stromal ectoenzyme CD38 participates in melanoma growth and metastasis. The results presented here suggest that CD38 is a novel regulator of CAFs' pro-tumorigenic functions. Orthotopic co-implantation of CD38 deficient fibroblasts and B16F10 melanoma cells limited tumor size, compared with CD38-expressing fibroblasts. Intrinsically, CAF-CD38 promoted migration of primary fibroblasts toward melanoma cells. Further, in vitro paracrine effects of CAF-CD38 fostered tumor cell migration and invasion as well as endothelial cell tube formation. Mechanistically, we report that CAF-CD38 drives the protein expression of an angiogenic/pro-metastatic signature, which includes VEGF-A, FGF-2, CXCL-12, MMP-9, and HGF. Data suggest that CAF-CD38 fosters tumorigenesis by enabling the production of pro-tumoral factors that promote cell invasion, migration, and angiogenesis.

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

  • ADP-ribosyl Cyclase 1 / genetics
  • ADP-ribosyl Cyclase 1 / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts / metabolism*
  • Carcinogenesis / genetics
  • Carcinogenesis / metabolism
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Melanoma / genetics
  • Melanoma / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Tumor Microenvironment / genetics
  • Tumor Microenvironment / physiology*

Substances

  • ADP-ribosyl Cyclase 1