Sexual Dimorphism of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Governs Matrix and Vascular Organisation in Breast Cancer

Authors

Liu, P., Saunders, F. R., Everest, M., Eiamampai, N., Humphries, M. P., Coulson-Gilmer, C., Conti, G., Stead, L. F., Abu-Eid, R., Speirs, V.

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) shows greatest sexual diversity. Increased diagnosis and poorer outcomes in men highlights the need to better understand its biology. We hypothesised that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the most abundant cell type in the tumour microenvironment, might define sex-related differences. Using phenotypically matched male and female CAFs generated from breast cancer tissues, we demonstrate distinct transcriptional programmes and functional behaviours associated with extracellular matrix remodelling, cell adhesion, migration and vascular development. Compared to CAFs generated from females BC, those from males generated denser, more complex matrices promoting stronger tumour and endothelial cell adhesion, vascular growth, but less organised capillary network formation. Findings reveal fundamental sex-related variations in CAF phenotype and biology in BC. These findings highlight the need to integrate biological sex into precision oncology to identify opportunities for sex-specific therapeutic strategies in BC.

Preprint server: bioRxiv
The authors list and abstract were imported from bioRxiv on 29 Aug 2026.

Stats

1-terrible, 9-excellent. How would you rate this preprint? Sign in in to submit your rating.

Post a comment

You need to be signed in to post comments. You can sign in here.

Comments

There are no comments yet.