Stroma cells are derived from connective tissue and may critically influence tumor growth. This knowledge is not new. However, bioanalyst Christopher Gerner and an interdisciplinary team from the University of Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna have developed a novel methodology for investigation. Using modern mass spectrometry, tumor-promoting activities from breast fibroblasts were directly determined from needle biopsy samples.
The potential contribution of stroma cells to tumor growth has been widely recognized. It is not easy to understand whether a diseased stroma state supports tumor initiation or, alternatively, tumor-stroma cells are responsible for the formation of such diseased stroma. "We successfully identified relevant players as such and analyzed these molecules out of human tissue samples for the very first time," says Christopher Gerner (pictured), head of the Department of Analytical Chemistry of the University of Vienna. Together with Georg Pfeiler from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Medical University of Vienna and an interdisciplinary research team, he has developed the new analysis methodology.
Experimental determination of undesirable tumor promotion by stroma cells
Tissue is made of various cell types, which fulfill different biological tasks. Main components of breast tissue are epithelial cells and fibroblasts. In case of breast cancer, the epithelial cell may transform while the fibroblasts, remaining genetically unaltered, may change their activation state. The typical activity of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) is similar to wound healing activities. The secreted growth- and survival factors, biologically active at extremely low concentrations, are not only supporting wound healing, but may as well be exploited in case of cancer for further promotion of the disease. The significance of such cell activities has been fully acknowledged only during the last few years, the current study also presents a relevant in vitro model for more detailed investigations.
Innovative assay based on mass spectrometric analyses of needle biopsies
It was a real analytical challenge to identify the most relevant molecular players out of tissue homogenates which consist of a complex mixture of different kinds of cells together with countless blood constituents. By the use of modern mass spectrometry several thousand distinct proteins were identified in a first step. Referring to the in vitro model systems mentioned above, it was finally possible to investigate the functional cell state of fibroblasts out of tissue homogenates. This successfully proved that in case of cancer, the fibroblasts display a strong wound healing activity and thus directly promote tumor growth. "This was only possible due to the modern instrumentation I got together with the chair in Bioanalysis," remarks Christopher Gerner referring to the top instruments in the Mass Spectrometry Center of the University of Vienna.
Novel approaches for breast cancer therapy
The results of the current study may have several consequences. Based on needle biopsies, it is now possible to assess functional states of stroma cells. "It is therefore feasible for us to determine to which extent such activities are present and relevant in individual patient samples. This is a first step which may allow us to plan pharmacological interference. However, these are future hopes when referring to clinical practice," says Georg Pfeiler of the Medical University of Vienna. "For that aim we are currently developing an assay using blood serum only," adds Christopher Gerner. Furthermore, it is now possible to use the in vitro model system to test drug candidates interfering with these undesirable cell activities in a targeted fashion. Clinical application of such an additional therapeutic strategy could substantially improve current therapies with respect to life quality parameters and prognosis.
Illustration: University of Vienna.
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University of Vienna News Release (10/21/14)
EurekAlert! (10/21/14)
Science Daily (10/21/14)
MedicalXpress (10/21/14)
Abstract (Journal of Proteome; 13(11), 4773-4782 (09/19/14))