Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-D And Rho Gtpases Regulate Recruitment of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Cholangiocarcinoma

Abstract

CCA cells express several mesenchymal markers, but do not transdifferentiate into CAFs. Instead, CCA cells recruit CAFs by secreting PDGF-D, which stimulates fibroblast migration through PDGFRβ and Rho GTPase and JNK activation. Targeting tumor or stroma interactions with inhibitors of the PDGF-D pathway may offer a novel therapeutic approach.