Understanding how various pathologies of breast cancer respond to their environment may be imperative in the creation of novel therapeutic targets. Central to the organisation and behaviour of cells within the tumour microenvironment is the extracellular matrix (ECM), a meshwork of fibrous proteins and glycoproteins that directly influences cell behaviour and the bioavailability of signalling molecules. Our appreciation on how the composition of the ECM can influence cancer behaviour has evolved significantly and although we are highly cognisant of the dramatic impact the ECM can have on cancer cell behaviour, we continue to neglect this during diagnosis and treatment. In the following study, we aimed to identify how three breast cancer cell lines respond functionally and genetically to common components of the ECM. Using real time and end point assays we have identified similar patterns of behaviour among the three breast cancer cell lines in response to commonly found ECM components of the breast. Using a selected gene panel, we have been able to identify cell line specific changes in gene differentiation when breast cancer cells are in contact with these elements. Although the response of our cells to these elements differ at the genetic level, their functional responses are consistent. This work adds to the growing arguments that highlight a need for histologically assessing ECM composition of breast tumours. In particular monitoring of fibrous protein deposition at the site of malignancy could provide critical information during clinical assessment influencing disease prognosis and treatment decisions for breast cancer patients.

在创建新的治疗靶标时，了解乳腺癌的各种病理如何响应其环境可能是必不可少的。肿瘤微环境中细胞组织和行为的中心是细胞外基质（ECM），它是纤维蛋白和糖蛋白的网状结构，直接影响细胞行为和信号分子的生物利用度。我们对ECM的成分如何影响癌症行为的认识已经有了很大的发展，尽管我们高度认识到ECM对癌细胞行为的巨大影响，但在诊断和治疗过程中我们仍然忽略了这一点。在以下研究中，我们旨在确定三种乳腺癌细胞系如何在功能上和基因上对ECM的常见成分作出反应。使用实时和终点分析，我们已经确定了三种乳腺癌细胞系对常见的乳腺癌ECM成分的反应具有相似的行为模式。使用选定的基因组，当乳腺癌细胞与这些元素接触时，我们已经能够鉴定出细胞系特异性的基因分化变化。尽管我们的细胞对这些元素的反应在遗传水平上有所不同，但它们的功能反应是一致的。这项工作增加了越来越多的论点，这些论点强调了需要从组织学角度评估乳腺肿瘤的ECM组成。特别是，在恶性肿瘤部位监测纤维蛋白沉积可能会在临床评估过程中提供重要信息，从而影响乳腺癌患者的疾病预后和治疗决策。