Molecular targets in metastasis: lessons from genomic approaches.
Microarray studies have yielded valuable information that can be used to determine a cancer patient's prognosis and allow for optimum treatment choices. Tumor profiling has also changed our perception of metastatic propensity. Genomic analyses clearly showed that a metastasis signature is encoded within the genome so that when a cancer develops, the likelihood of metastasis is high, whereas other cancers which do not have this genotype metastasize as a result of random mutations. It is certain however, that cells other than tumor cells contribute to the development of metastasis through their production of various pro-metastatic proteins. Here, we review the published metastasis profiling studies and the role of the host in metastasis. Collagen type I, CXCR4, CSF-1, OPN and RhoC are metastasis-associated genes for which evidence exists for a causal contribution to elements of the metastatic process. These genes are discussed in detail and represent excellent drug targets for anti-metastasis therapies.
Fingleton
Barbara
B
Department of Cancer Biology, 771 PRB, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232-6840, USA. barbara.fingleton@Vanderbilt.edu
D000818:Animals; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D052138:Genes, Neoplasm; D023281:Genomics; D006801:Humans; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests
D009363:Neoplasm Proteins