Modulation of monocyte matrix metalloproteinase-2 by breast adenocarcinoma cells.
BACKGROUND
The presence of monocyte and macrophage cells in growing breast tumors, and the positive relationship between the degree of immune cell infiltration and tumor growth, suggest a possible paracrine growth regulatory function of immune cells in breast cancer.


METHODS
To better understand the interaction between monocytes and breast cancer cells, in vitro matrix metalloproteinase and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase activity was assessed from the THP-1 myeloid cell line in response to conditioned media from two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231.


RESULTS
Enzymography and immunoblotting revealed increased MMP-2 as well as increased levels of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. Furthermore, a significant increase in the invasive potential of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells was noted in response to THP-1 cell-conditioned media.


CONCLUSIONS
These data demonstrate that monocyte cells in the breast tumor microenvironment play an important role in the modulation of MMPs, which may have a significant effect on the control of tumor growth and metastatic spread.
Szabo
Kristina A
KA
Juravinski Cancer Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. kristina.szabo@hrcc.on.ca
Singh
Gurmit
G
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000097:blood / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002465:Cell Movement; D017077:Culture Media, Conditioned; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008264:Macrophages / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 / Q000097:blood; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000097:blood*; D009000:Monocytes / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness
D017077:Culture Media, Conditioned; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1