The Microenvironment of the Breast: Three-Dimensional Models to Study the Roles of the Stroma and the Extracellular Matrix in Function and Dysfunction |
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| Authors: | Ole W Petersen MD DMSc †Lone Rønnov-Jessen MSc †Mina J Bissell PhD |
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| Institution: | Structural Cell Biology Unit, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, and Department of Tumor Endocrinology, Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark;Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Berkeley, California |
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| Abstract: | Abstract: Sensitive assays that recapitulate the complex and dynamic interaction of cells within the breast are needed to understand the early steps by which normal breast cells become cancerous, and cancer cells become invasive. We discuss the literature of available culture systems and elaborate on two assays we have developed to study interaction of normal and tumor cells with stromal cells and ECM in three dimensions. The assays highlight the significance of cell:cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions in functional differentiation of the breast epithelium and should provide valuable tools in understanding breast cancer. |
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