Cancer-associated adipocytes: key players in breast cancer progression

Adipocytes are one of the primary stromal cells in many tissues, and they are considered to play an active role in the tumor microenvironment. Cancer-associated adipocytes (CAAs) are not only found adjacent to cancer cells, but also communicate with cancer cells through releasing various factors that can mediate local and systemic effects. The adipocyte-cancer cell crosstalk leads to phenotypical and functional changes of both cell types, which can further enhance tumor progression. Indeed, obesity, which is associated with an increase in adipose mass and an alteration of adipose tissue, is becoming pandemic in some countries and it is now considered to be an independent risk factor for cancer progression. In…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 2012YQ160203, 81471781
• NK
  National Key Scientific Instrument and Equipment Development Projects of China

  Award: 2012YQ160203