Constructing Astrocyte-Derived Extracellular Matrix to Explore Secondary Tissue Remodeling in Support of Breast Cancer Metastasis.

Metastasis, the spread of cancer cells from the initial site to another region of the body, accounts for 90% of cancer-related mortalities1. Treatment and prevention of metastatic cancer can be more successful if the timing and location of the cancer spread can be predicted accurately. That would allow doctors to make more informed decisions for their patients by minimalizing the risk of unnecessary and difficult treatments. Our team is working on the idea that metastasis is not random and follows the seed and soil notion. Our focus is on astrocyte-secreted remodeling proteins that are initiated by triple-negative breast cancer cues. After a series of trials of injecting mice with conditioned media from breast cancer cells and staining for the presence of remodeling proteins such as tenascin-c, thrombospondin, and connective tissue growth factors, to determine changes in secondary sites, we are shifting to an in vitro approach. By constructing an astrocyte-derived extracellular matrix, our lab aims to accurately measure the response of the astrocytes in the presence of conditioned media or other factors by analyzing the proteins of their ECM. With the lack of biomarkers that distinguish brain metastasis, our research could be the only way to finally understand metastasis and conceivably save the lives of millions of patients who are suffering from the effects of cancer.

1. Barney, L. et al. The predictive link between matrix and metastasis. Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering 11, 85–93 (2016).