Gap junction channels According to Schleiden's theory, cells are autonomous units that are circumscribed by a diffusion barrier that is able to prevent any exchange with the surrounding cells [ ]. However, in the late 1960s, Kanno and Loewenstein demonstrated…
Highlights The effects of tumor-derived EVs appear to be variable and dependent upon their cargos. EVs, via their cargos, can mediate the transfer of malignant traits between cancer cells. EV therapies have progressed to phase I and phase II clinical…
Research highlights TGF-β is abundant in bone and a critical coupling factor in bone cells during bone remodeling. Cancer frequently affects bone as primary bone cancer or during bone metastases. TGF-β signaling in cancer has dual roles, as a tumor…
Abbreviations AR Androgen receptor BCRs B cell receptors CAPE Caffeic and phenethyl ester CD4 Cluster of differentiation 40 CRPC Castration-resistant prostate cancer ER Estrogen receptor GSK-3β Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta HER2 Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 IKK IκB kinase…
Introduction Primary bone tumors constitute a heterogeneous family of rather rare neoplasms corresponding to oncogenic conversion of cells from the lineages implicated in bone formation and homeostasis: the osteoblastic, the chondroblastic, and the osteoclastic lineages. Part of the primary bone…
Research highlights Several reciprocal signaling mechanisms drive tissue level evolution in tumor development. Tumor-associated macrophages are key players in the bone-metastatic process. Tumor metabolism is an important regulator of tumor immunity. Therapies modulating tumor macrophage function are being developed. Acknowledgments…
Introduction Despite advances in our understanding of cancer biology, the development of standardized, effective local control measures with surgery and radiation, and the emergence of targeted therapies, bone sarcoma survival rates remain unchanged for more than 30 years. Bone sarcomas…
Research highlights Osteoclasts are not only bone-resorbing cells. They are also monocytic cells with innate immune functions. Osteoclasts participate in immune suppression to promote the development of bone cancer. Osteoclasts display phenotypic and functional diversity and some osteoclast subsets are…
Introduction Osteocytes are terminally differentiated cells of the osteoblast lineage. They are the most abundant cell type of the bone, representing 95% of all bone cells in skeletally mature adult bone tissue [ ]. Osteocytes are considered permanent residents of…
Introduction Osteocyte biology and their role in regulating bone homeostasis Osteocytes are the most abundant cells in the bone, playing an essential role in mechanosensation, mechanotransduction, and communication with other bone cells. They originated from osteoblasts and are surrounded by…