Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Pang MF
PROVIDER: S-EPMC5026611 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Sep
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Pang Mei-Fong MF Siedlik Michael J MJ Han Siyang S Stallings-Mann Melody M Radisky Derek C DC Nelson Celeste M CM
Cancer research 20160808 18
Breast tumors are stiffer and more hypoxic than nonmalignant breast tissue. Here we report that stiff and hypoxic microenvironments promote the development of breast cancer stem-like cells (CSC) through modulation of the integrin-linked kinase ILK. Depleting ILK blocked stiffness and hypoxia-dependent acquisition of CSC marker expression and behavior, whereas ectopic expression of ILK stimulated CSC development under softer or normoxic conditions. Stiff microenvironments also promoted tumor form ...[more]