Tissue homeostasis and the control of the neoplastic phenotype in epithelial cancers.
Neoplastic cells at various stages of tumor progression may remain dormant for many years. The suppression of the neoplastic phenotype and tumor outgrowth depends on close contact of neoplastic cells with surrounding normal cells. This review examines the nature of these contacts primarily in models for skin cancer induction. Junctional complexes, membrane associated growth factors and their receptors, and paracrine mechanisms likely contribute to this state of tumor cell dormancy. Understanding these mechanisms will be important in primary cancer prevention and for counteracting recurrences in cancer survivors.
Glick
Adam B
AB
Laboratory of Cellular Carcinogenesis and Tumor Promotion, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, 37 Convent Drive, MSC-4255, Building 37, Room 4068A1, Bethesda, MD 20892-4255, USA.
Yuspa
Stuart H
SH
D000818:Animals; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D002450:Cell Communication; D017629:Gap Junctions / Q000502:physiology; D006706:Homeostasis; D010641:Phenotype; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology