Stromal cells

Definition

Stromal cells are the supportive tissue cells found within various organs and tissues, providing structural and functional support to the surrounding parenchymal cells. In cancer research, these cells play a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment, influencing cancer progression, metastasis, and response to therapy through their interactions with cancer cells and other components of the stroma.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Stromal cells can include a variety of cell types such as fibroblasts, immune cells, endothelial cells, and adipocytes, all contributing to the tumor microenvironment.
2. These cells can secrete growth factors and cytokines that promote tumor growth and survival, affecting how cancer cells behave.
3. The interactions between stromal cells and cancer cells can lead to changes in the extracellular matrix that facilitate metastasis.
4. Targeting stromal components is an emerging strategy in cancer therapy, aiming to disrupt the supportive role they play in tumor progression.
5. Research into stromal cells has shown their potential role in drug resistance by altering the delivery and effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents.

Review Questions

• How do stromal cells interact with cancer cells within the tumor microenvironment?
  • Stromal cells interact with cancer cells through a variety of mechanisms, including direct cell-to-cell contact and the secretion of signaling molecules like growth factors and cytokines. These interactions can promote tumor growth by providing essential nutrients and altering the local environment to favor cancer cell survival. Additionally, stromal cells can modify the extracellular matrix, which can impact how easily cancer cells migrate and invade surrounding tissues.
• Evaluate the significance of targeting stromal cells in developing new cancer therapies.
  • Targeting stromal cells represents a promising approach in cancer therapy because these cells significantly influence tumor behavior and response to treatment. By disrupting the supportive interactions between stromal and cancer cells, therapies may enhance the effectiveness of traditional treatments. For example, inhibiting specific signals or pathways associated with stromal cell activity could help reduce tumor growth or increase sensitivity to chemotherapy. This strategy highlights the importance of considering not just cancer cells but also their supportive environment when designing treatments.
• Analyze how the characteristics of stromal cells can contribute to drug resistance in tumors.
  • The characteristics of stromal cells contribute to drug resistance in tumors through several mechanisms. For instance, stromal cells can create a protective niche for cancer cells by altering the extracellular matrix or producing survival signals that help cancer cells withstand chemotherapy. Additionally, these supportive cells can secrete factors that actively inhibit drug action or promote alternative survival pathways for cancer cells. Understanding these interactions is critical for developing strategies to overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes.

Related terms

tumor microenvironment: The environment surrounding a tumor, including stromal cells, immune cells, blood vessels, and extracellular matrix components, which collectively influence tumor growth and behavior.

extracellular matrix (ECM): A complex network of proteins and carbohydrates secreted by cells that provide structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells, playing a key role in tissue organization and signaling.

fibroblasts: A type of stromal cell that synthesizes the extracellular matrix and collagen, playing a vital role in wound healing and tissue repair, as well as in the tumor stroma.