Sarcoma cells induce alteration in adipogenic differentiation.

BACKGROUND Sarcomas consist of both tumor and stromal cells, and the interaction between these compartments is critical for tumor progression and metastasis. Tumor-derived factors may alter the differentiation capacity of the adjacent stromal cells. The aim of this study was to elucidate the paracrine impact of liposarcoma cells on pre-adipocytes, their adipogenic differentiation process and miRNA expression profile. MATERIALS AND METHODS 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes were exposed to sarcoma pre-conditioned media. Following induction of adipogenic differentiation morphometrical changes were assessed. Differences in miRNA expression of conditioned and non-conditioned 3T3-L1 cells were analyzed. RESULTS Exposure to sarcoma pre-conditioned media substantially altered the differentiation capability of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes. Significant changes in the miRNA expression profile between conditioned and non-conditioned pre-adipocytes were observed. CONCLUSION Sarcoma cells directly modulate pre-adipocyte differentiation. This study demonstrates that sarcoma cells influence differentiation of pre-adipocytes via paracrine factors and alter their miRNA expression.