BMP2, a key to uncover luminal breast cancer origin linked to pollutant effects on epithelial stem cells niche

Chronic exposure of epithelial cells to high levels of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) has recently been demonstrated to initiate stem cell transformation toward a luminal tumor-like phenotype through a BMP2–BMPR1B-dependent mechanism. Carcinogen-driven deregulation of the stem cell niche could therefore represent a driving force to promote transformation and dictate the ultimate breast tumor subtype.