The Role of Bone Stem Cell Niches in Bone Metastasis

• Published in: Applied Sciences
• Main Authors: Roberto Tamma, Tiziana Annese, Domenico Ribatti
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-10-01
• Subjects: bone staminal niche; bone metastasis; endosteal niche; pre-metastatic niche; vascular niche
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/10/21/7713

In post-natal life, stem cells contribute to the preservation of many tissues. In adults, stem cells remain localized, in particular, specialized microanatomical areas named as niches, which are crucial in the control of stem cell quiescence and activity through the production of many regulatory signals. Bone physiologically includes both the endosteal niche and the vascular niche, which are involved in the attraction, retention and release of the residing stem cells during the formation of new vessels as well as in the control of the differentiation of bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-resorbing osteoclasts. In tumors, cancer cells are able to take control of the niches to support all the stages of the tumorigenesis, transforming them in the so-called pre-metastatic and metastatic niches. Hence, there is emerging importance of the interactions between cancer cells, bone cells and niches in driving metastatic progression. This review article summarizes the literature data concerning the role of bone vascular and endosteal niches in the regulation of bone metastasis, focusing on their cellular and molecular interactions and the potential therapeutic approaches.