Sie befinden Sich nicht im Netzwerk der Universität Paderborn. Der Zugriff auf elektronische Ressourcen ist gegebenenfalls nur via VPN oder Shibboleth (DFN-AAI) möglich. mehr Informationen...
Lymphatic vasculature is crucial for metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC); however, cellular and molecular drivers controlling lymphovascular metastasis are poorly understood. We define a macrophage-dependent signaling cascade that facilitates metastasis through lymphovascular remodeling. TNBC cells instigate mRNA changes in macrophages, resulting in β4 integrin-dependent adhesion to the lymphovasculature. β4 integrin retains macrophages proximal to lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), where release of TGF-β1 drives LEC contraction via RhoA activation. Macrophages promote gross architectural changes to lymphovasculature by increasing dilation, hyperpermeability, and disorganization. TGF-β1 drives β4 integrin clustering at the macrophage plasma membrane, further promoting macrophage adhesion and demonstrating the dual functionality of TGF-β1 signaling in this context. β4 integrin-expressing macrophages were identified in human breast tumors, and a combination of vascular-remodeling macrophage gene signature and TGF-β signaling scores correlates with metastasis. We postulate that future clinical strategies for patients with TNBC should target crosstalk between β4 integrin and TGF-β1.
[Display omitted]
•β4 integrin-expressing macrophages release TGF-β1 near breast cancer lymphovasculature•TGF-β1 drives β4 integrin clustering on macrophages, enhancing macrophage adhesion•TGF-β1 signals through RhoA to drive to lymphatic endothelial cell contraction•Lymphatic remodeling signaling cascade facilitates breast cancer metastasis
Breast cancer metastasis through lymphatic vessels is associated with poor prognosis. Evans et al. describe β4 integrin-expressing macrophages that regulate lymphatic vessel structure in breast cancer. Macrophage-released TGF-β1 drives lymphatic cell contraction via RhoA activation, culminating in lymphatic hyperpermeability. This study defines a signaling cascade that could be targeted therapeutically.