Platelet activating factor leads to initiation and promotion of breast cancer

Bioactive molecules present in the tumor milieu are known to contribute substantially to tumor progression. Phospholipid mediators are a group of molecules that have roles in normal physiology as well as in pathological conditions. Platelet activating factor (PAF), a phospholipd mediator, secreted by cells present in tumor microenvironment has been implicated to have a possible role in cancer progression. Here, we highlight our study of the potential role of PAF in inducing transformation of breast epithelial cells grown as three dimensional cultures. We have also attempted to dissect the motility related molecular pathway activated upon PAF stimulation in MDA-MB 231 cells. This study further calls for detailed analysis of pathways downstream of PAF signalling which would aid in identification of targets and designing of treatment strategies.