Fibronectin and Hepatocyte Growth Factor Produced by Lung Fibroblasts Augment Migration and Invasion of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Cells.

BACKGROUND

The interaction between fibroblasts and malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) cells is not well understood.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Lung fibroblasts (HFL1, MRC5 and IMR90) and MPM cells (H28, H226 and H2052) were cultured under serum-free conditions and the resulting culture media were collected. Migration and invasion of MPM cells were assessed by chemotaxis and Matrigel assays, respectively.

RESULTS

Lung fibroblast-derived media enhanced the migration and invasion of the three tested MPM cell lines. Fibronectin and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) were produced by lung fibroblasts. Exogenous fibronectin and HGF also enhanced the migration and invasion of the three MPM cells, respectively. Neutralizing anti-HGF antibody inhibited the invasion of H28 cells enhanced by fibroblast-derived media. In addition, the production of fibronectin and HGF was stimulated by MPM cell-derived media.

CONCLUSION

The current study provides additional evidence that might contribute to the development of antitumor-associated fibroblast therapeutic strategies.