Problem:
I am planning to utilize a new system in our lab, in which I will co-culture cancer cells from different tissues with fibroblasts. I have the option to receive skin-derived primary fibroblasts. I have been told the normal fibroblasts are very similar all over the body.
Question: Is this really true? I assume that fibroblasts secrete factors, for example, that are tissue specific.
Question: How quickly do they adapt to a new environment?
For example if I take these skin-derived fibroblasts and co-culture them with breast cancer cells,
Question: How long will it take the fibroblasts, if any, to become more like fibroblasts derived from the breast?