Non-tumorigenic epithelial breast cells and ionizing radiation cooperate in the enhancement of mesenchymal traits in tumorigenic breast cancer cells

Aims: Radioresistance and recurrences are crucial hindrances in cancer radiotherapy. Fractionated irradiation can elicit a mesenchymal phenotype in irradiated surviving cells and a deep connection exists between epithelial mesenchymal transition, radioresistance, and metastasis. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the secretoma of irradiated non-tumorigenic mammary epithelial cells on surviving irradiated breast tumor cells regarding the gain of mesenchymal traits and migratory ability. Main methods: MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells, irradiated or not, were incubated with conditioned media from MCF-10A non-tumorigenic epithelial breast cells, irradiated or not. After five days, we evaluated the expression and localization of epithelial and mesenchymal markers (by western blot and indirect immunofluorescence), cell migration (using transwells) and metalloproteinases activity (by zymography). We also assessed TGF-beta 1 content in conditioned media by immunoblot, and the effect of A83-01 (a selective inhibitor of TGF-beta receptor I) and PP2 (a Src-family tyrosine kinase inhibitor) on nuclear Slug and cell migration. Key findings: Conditioned media from MCF-10A cells caused phenotypic changes in breast tumor cells with attainment or enhancement of mesenchymal traits mediated at least in part by the activation of the TGF-beta type I receptor and a signaling pathway involving Src activation/phosphorylation. The effects were more pronounced mostly in irradiated tumor cells treated with conditioned media from irradiated MCF-10A. Significance: Our results suggest that non-tumorigenic epithelial mammary cells included in the irradiation field could affect the response to irradiation of post-surgery residual cancer cells enhancing EMT progression and thus modifying radiotherapy efficacy.