Cancer-associated fibroblast expression of serine protease fibroblast activation protein increases tumour metastatic potential and alters cell death mechanisms

摘要

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP), an integral membrane serine protease, is found on cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in over 90% of human epithelial cancers. In normal adult tissues, FAP is expressed only in wound healing, and is therefore an attractive target for antibody immunotherapy of cancer. We aim to clarify the role and mechanisms of action of FAP in tumour development and metastasis. We have transfected HT1080, a fibrosarcoma line used as a model of CAFs, with FAP and explored the metastatic potential of the FAP-expressing cells. Cells were also treated with doxorubicin and cell death markers monitored over time.