Next-generation RNA sequencing of FFPE subsections reveals highly conserved stromal reprogramming between canine and human mammary carcinoma
Spontaneous canine simple mammary carcinomas (mCA) are often viewed as models of human mCA. Cancer-associated stroma (CAS) is central for initiation and progression of human cancer, and is likely to play a key role in canine tumours as well. However, canine CAS lacks characterisation and it remains unclear how canine and human CAS compare. Using a technique to analyse CAS and normal stroma from archival FFPE tumours by laser-capture microdissection and RNAseq, we have analysed stromal reprogramming in 15 cases of canine mCA. Using a series of comparative analyses between canine and human CAS, we clearly show that the strong reprogramming in canine CAS is highly comparable to that found in human mCA. Our results suggest a close interspecies similarity in the network of cancer signaling circuitries. Finally, we establish the prognostic potential of the canine CAS signature in human samples, emphasizing the relevance of studying canine CAS as a model of the human disease. Concluding, we provide a proof-of-principle to analyse specific subsections of FFPE tissue by NGS, and compare stromal gene expression between human and canine mCA to reveal molecular drivers in CAS supporting tumour growth and malignancy.
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