Pharmaceutical Sciences ETDs
Publication Date
Spring 5-10-2022
Abstract
The objective of this thesis project was to investigate the effects of tungsten on breast cancer metastasis to the bone niche, using the 4T1 orthotopic breast cancer model. Oral tungsten (15 ppm) exposure did not affect primary tumor growth. However, following tungsten exposure there were marked changes in the bone niche, including increased metastasis of 4T1 tumor cells and increased osteolysis. Further analysis of the bone niche indicates that enhanced metastasis is associated with a pro-tumorigenic immune suppressive environment, including increased number of granulocytic myeloid derived suppressor cells and increased gene expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β and the activated fibroblast marker α smooth muscle actin. These results suggest that tungsten accumulation in the bone is changing the bone niche to create a pro-tumor immune suppressive environment. The exact mechanisms behind this are multifactorial, but evidence suggests tungsten may be affecting breast cancer cells to enhance homing and colonization within the bone niche.
First Committee Member (Chair)
Alicia Bolt, PhD
Degree Name
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Second Committee Member
Helen Hathaway, PhD
Level of Degree
Masters
Third Committee Member
Matthew Campen, PhD
Department Name
College of Pharmacy
Language
English
Document Type
Thesis
Keywords
Tungsten, Breast Cancer, Metastasis, Bone, In vivo, mouse model
Recommended Citation
Chock, Cameron J. and Alicia Bolt. "TUNGSTEN-ENHANCED BREAST CANCER METASTASIS TO THE BONE IS ASSOCIATED WITH ALTERATIONS IN THE BONE NICHE.." (2022). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/phrm_etds/30
