Stem cells
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Carcinoma-associated mesenchymal stem cells (CA-MSCs) are critical stromal progenitor cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). We previously demonstrated that CA-MSCs differentially express bone morphogenetic protein family members, promote tumor cell growth, increase cancer "stemness," and chemotherapy resistance. Here, we use RNA sequencing of normal omental MSCs and ovarian CA-MSCs to demonstrate global changes in CA-MSC gene expression. ⋯ Interestingly, although the breast cancer TME can reprogram bone marrow MSCs into CA-MSCs, the ovarian TME cannot, demonstrating for the first time that tumor mediated CA-MSC conversion is tissue and cancer type dependent. Together these findings (a) provide a critical tool to define CA-MSCs and (b) highlight cancer cell influence on distinct normal tissues providing powerful insights into the mechanisms underlying cancer specific metastatic niche formation. Stem Cells 2019;37:257-269.