This study reports novel pro-tumorigenic functions for CD38 in cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs). In vivo, CAF CD38 promotes melanoma expansion. Mechanistically, CD38 enhances CAF migration towards cancer cells as well as tumor cell migration and invasion. Further, CD38 enables de novo endothelial tube formation by upregulating angiogenic transcripts and pro-angiogenic secreted factors.
- Bar Ben Baruch
- Einav Mantsur
- Reuven Stein