⇒ Stem Cells in Vertebral Bones Can Act Like Cancer Magnets

~Published September 14, 2023

• Vertebral bones in the spine are formed from a specific type of stem cell. Using bone-like “organoids” made from vertebral stem cells, researchers showed that the known tendency of tumors to spread to the spine—more than to long bones such as leg bones—is due largely to a protein called MFGE8, secreted by these stem cells.
• The research findings were published in the journal Nature under the title "A vertebral skeletal stem cell lineage driving metastasis."
• The study opens up a new avenue of research into spinal disorders and may help explain why solid tumors frequently metastasize to the spine.
• The study challenges the traditional theory that tumors preferentially spread to the spine due to blood flow patterns. Instead, it suggests that vertebral stem cells play a significant role.
• Removing vertebral stem cells eliminated the difference in metastasis rates between spine bones and long bones, highlighting the role of these cells in tumor spread.
• MFGE8, a protein secreted in higher amounts by vertebral stem cells compared to long bone stem cells, is a major contributor to the attraction of tumors to the spine.
• Researchers are exploring ways to block MFGE8 to reduce the risk of spinal metastasis in cancer patients. They are also studying how the unique properties of vertebral stem cells contribute to various spinal disorders.
• The study suggests that many conditions in the field of spinal orthopedics may be related to the newly identified vertebral stem cell.
• This discovery opens up new avenues for research into spinal disorders and their treatment. The findings may have implications for understanding and treating conditions in the field of spinal orthopedics.05 Oc

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