The tumor microenvironment plays important roles in cancer initiation and progression, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying these tumor-promoting effects are only beginning to be understood. Recent studies analyzing the gene expression, genetic, and epigenetic profiles of cells composing the tumor microenvironment have improved our understanding of paracrine interactions that may create a permissive microenvironment for malignancy and identified potential targets for cancer prevention and treatment including chemokine and cytokine networks. The ECM (extra cellular matrix) composition and TGFb signaling appears to play a particularly important role in breast tumorigenesis and will be discussed in the session.
New Concepts in Organ Site Research: Tumor-Stromal Interactions Regulating Breast Tumor Progression

TGF-β; : The molecular Jekyll and Hyde of cancer; Harold L. Moses. Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Ctr., Nashville, TN

Stromal tension and mechanosignaling in tumor progression and metastasis; Valerie M. Weaver. University of California, San Francisco, CA

Signal transduction pathways activated by tumor metastasis suppressors; Marsha R. Rosner. Univ. of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Targeting a novel embryonic pathway in breast cancer; Mary J. C Hendrix. Children's Memorial Research Ctr., Chicago, IL,