Fibroblast Activation Protein−α, a Stromal Cell Surface Protease, Shapes Key Features of Cancer Associated Fibroblasts Through Proteome and Degradome Alterations

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) constitute an abundant stromal component of most solid tumors. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) α is a cell surface protease that is expressed by CAFs. We corroborate this expression profile by immunohistochemical analysis of colorectal cancer specimens. To better understand the tumor-contextual role of FAPα, we investigate how FAPα shapes functional and proteomic features of CAFs using loss- and gain-of function cellular model systems. FAPα activity has a strong impact on the secreted CAF proteome (“secretome”), including reduced levels of anti-angiogenic factors, elevated levels of transforming growth factor (TGF) β, and an impact on matrix processing enzymes.

Source: Molecular Oncology - August 11, 2015 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: M.M. Koczorowska, S. Tholen, F. Bucher, L. Lutz, J.M. Kizhakkedathu, O. De Wever, U. Wellner, M.L. Biniossek, A. Stahl, S. Lassmann, O. Schilling Source Type: research