Molecular events in metastatic progression.
A number of genes have been implicated in the metastatic process but relatively little is known regarding the specific event(s) in dissemination of malignant cells which are altered by specific genetic changes. In most cases, only a correlation between gene expression and a final outcome, e.g. patient survival or enumeration of metastatic nodules at necropsy for experimental animal models, exists. In other cases, gene expression has been correlated with one part of the metastatic cascade but possible alterations in additional steps were not determined. The ultimate effect of expression of any gene on specific steps in the metastatic cascade varies with the cell type. To minimize differences due to unspecified differences in background genetic mutations and expression, a model of closely related tumor subpopulations, which vary in metastatic potential and whose specific deficiencies are known, is described. This model may prove to be valuable in assessing the steps in the metastatic cascade affected by specific metastasis modulating genes.
Shekhar
P V
PV
Molecular Biology Program, Michigan Cancer Foundation, Detroit 48201.
Aslakson
C J
CJ
Miller
F R
FR
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000235:genetics*