Fibroblast heterogeneity in prostate carcinogenesis

Sathyavathi ChallaSivaKanaka, Renee E. Vickman, Mamatha Kakarla, Simon W. Hayward, Omar E. Franco*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

Our understanding of stromal components, specifically cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), in prostate cancer (PCa), has evolved from considering these cells as inert bystanders to acknowledging their significance as players in prostate tumorigenesis. CAF are multifaceted-they promote cancer cell growth, migration and remodel the tumor microenvironment. Although targeting CAF could be a promising strategy for PCa treatment, they incorporate a high but undefined degree of intrinsic cellular heterogeneity. The interaction between CAF subpopulations, with the normal and tumor epithelium and with other cell types is not yet characterized. Defining these interactions and the critical signaling nodes that support tumorigenesis will enable the development of novel strategies to control prostate cancer progression. Here we will discuss the origins, molecular and functional heterogeneity of CAF in PCa. We highlight the challenges associated with delineating CAF heterogeneity and discuss potential areas of research that would assist in expanding our knowledge of CAF and their role in PCa tumorigenesis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)76-83
Number of pages8
JournalCancer Letters
Volume525
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 28 2022

Funding

This work was supported by the US National Institutes of Health / National Cancer Institute ( RO1 CA242920 ), Department of Defense ( W81XWH-20-1-0210 ) and the Rob Brooks Fund for Personalized Cancer Care.

Keywords

  • Cancer associated fibroblasts
  • Fibroblast heterogeneity
  • Myofibroblasts
  • Prostate cancer
  • Stromal heterogeneity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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