title: Phenotypic and genetic alterations in mammary stroma: implications for tumour progression.
abstract: In addition to the well documented role of cytokines in mediating tissue-level interactions, it is now clear that matrix macromolecules fulfil a complementary regulatory function. Data highlighted in the present review extend the repertoire of matrix signalling mechanisms, (1) introducing the concept of 'matrikines', these defined as proteinase-generated fragments of matrix macromolecules that display cryptic bioactivities not manifested by the native, full-length form of the molecule, and (2) indicating that a previously identified motogenic factor (migration stimulating factor [MSF]) produced by foetal and cancer patient fibroblasts is a genetically generated truncated isoform of fibronectin, which displays bioactivities cryptic in all previously identified fibronectin isoforms. These observations are discussed in the context of the contribution of a 'foetal-like' stroma to the progression of breast cancer.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Cell and Molecular Biology, The Dental School, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland. s.l.schor@dundee.ac.uk
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Schor
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Schor
mesh_terms: D001940:Breast / Q000166:cytology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002465:Cell Movement; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D010641:Phenotype; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000502:physiology