AMD3100 (a chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 antagonist) and an anti-chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 7 antibody were used to block the tumor-supporting capacity of cancer-associated fibroblasts.
Three protein peaks (m/z 12,138, m/z 13,462, and m/z 15,120) that were significantly upregulated in the tumor tissue were identified as macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 7 (CXCL7), and interleukin 25 (IL-25).
Increased serum levels of beta-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 indicated that platelets were destroyed and consumed within the vascular bed of the tumor.
Exposure of UT-7 to the tumor promoter, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), resulted in the appearance of mature megakaryocytic properties, including the expression of platelet factor 4 and beta-thromboglobulin.