# THE DESMOPLASTIC RESPONSE TO TUMOR INVASION

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · 1987 · $101,311

## Abstract

The desmoplastic response to tumor invasion is an important though poorly
understood collagenous host reaction responsible for the hard lump
appearance of many cancers.  In human breast carcinoma, approximately 80%
of cases are associated with intense desmoplasia, a response which promotes
early clinical detection.  Both the mechanism of this response and its
effect on tumor invasion and metastasis are not known, but previous studies
have indicated that the desmoplastic reaction is composed of numerous host
myofibroblasts and a unique collagen profile with relatively high amounts
of Type V collagen.  The aims of this research project are three-fold.  The
first aim is to characterize and purify a myofibroblast growth factor
elaborated by invasive tumor cells.  Human breast carcinoma tissue of the
desmoplastic variety and cell lines such as MCF-7 and MDA-MB-134-VI will be
studied for the presence of such factors by chemotaxis, mitogenesis, and
myofibroblast-differentiating assays.  Non-desmoplastic human breast
carcinoms (medullary type) and cell lines derived from them will serve as
controls.  The second aim is to further characterize the desmoplastic
response biochemically, specifically identifying inhibitors to tumor
proteases such as Type IV collagenase, cathepsins, and plasminogen
activator, all of which have been implicated in the invasive process.
Human breast carcinoma tissue of the desmoplastic variety again will serve
as source from which to extract these inhibitors to invasion.  The
demonstration of high amounts of protease inhibitors within desmoplastic
tissue would suggest that one purpose of the response is to limit the local
spread of tumor.  The final aim of this study is to examine the effect of
the desmoplastic response on distant metastasis.  To achieve this, a new
quantitative model of desmoplasia has been developed in the C57 BL/6 mouse,
utilizing the syngeneic transplantable tumor, BL6 melanoma, and 14C
proline instilled intraperitoneally.  Host collagen synthesis is measured
at the primary site and perturbated with blockers of collagen synthesis.
The effect on pulmonary metastases will be determined.  The long-term
purpose then is insight into the mechanism and meaning of desmoplasia.  (A)

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3179898
- **Project number:** 5R01CA040225-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- **SAM.gov UEI:** RN64EPNH8JC6
- **Principal Investigator:** Sanford Howard Barsky
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $101,311
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1985-07-01 → 1988-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3179898

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3179898, THE DESMOPLASTIC RESPONSE TO TUMOR INVASION (5R01CA040225-03). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3179898. Licensed CC0.

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