Macrophages promote the invasion of breast carcinoma cells via a colony-stimulating factor-1/epidermal growth factor paracrine loop

Cancer Res. 2005 Jun 15;65(12):5278-83. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-04-1853.

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that macrophages and tumor cells are comigratory in mammary tumors and that these cell types are mutually dependent for invasion. Here we show that macrophages and tumor cells are necessary and sufficient for comigration and invasion into collagen I and that this process involves a paracrine loop. Macrophages express epidermal growth factor (EGF), which promotes the formation of elongated protrusions and cell invasion by carcinoma cells. Colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) produced by carcinoma cells promotes the expression of EGF by macrophages. In addition, EGF promotes the expression of CSF-1 by carcinoma cells thereby generating a positive feedback loop. Disruption of this loop by blockade of either EGF receptor or CSF-1 receptor signaling is sufficient to inhibit both macrophage and tumor cell migration and invasion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Cell Communication / physiology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / physiology*
  • Coculture Techniques
  • Epidermal Growth Factor / biosynthesis
  • Epidermal Growth Factor / physiology*
  • ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Feedback, Physiological
  • Humans
  • Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / biosynthesis
  • Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / physiology*
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Macrophages / pathology*
  • Mice
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Receptor, Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

  • Epidermal Growth Factor
  • Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Receptor, Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor