Extracellular matrix proteins influence phenotype and cytokine expression in human breast cancer cell lines.

Abstract

Tumor growth and invasion are not only the result of malignant transformation but are also dependent on environmental influences from surrounding stroma, extracellular matrix (ECM), local cytokines and systemic hormones. We have investigated the influence of ECM components on three human breast cancer cell lines of different malignant potential: MCF-7, T47D and MDA-MB-231 were cultured on collagen I, collagen IV, laminin, fibronectin or poly-D-lysine, and we analyzed the proliferation rate and cytokine expression pattern. Among the three cell lines investigated we observed a distinct response to each ECM component. We hypothesize that ECM may have a significant modulatory effect on malignant behavior in vivo which might depend on individual responses and on the differentiation state of tumor cells. This study also shows that the surface on which cells are cultured greatly influences cell kinetics and the cytokine expression pattern.