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A Modified In vitro Invasion Assay to Determine the Potential Role of Hormones, Cytokines and/or Growth Factors in Mediating Cancer Cell Invasion
Published on: April 24, 2015
Scatter factors and invasive growth
1Division of Molecular Oncology, IRCC, Institute for Cancer Research, Str. Provinciale 142, km. 3.95, Candiolo (TO), 10060, Italy. pcomoglio@ircc.unito.it
Abstract:
Scatter factors are unequivocal signals governing a genetic program that includes cell detachment, repulsion, protection from apoptosis, invasiveness of extracellular matrices and proliferation. This pleiomorphic response is defined as 'invasive growth'. Under physiological conditions, it leads to morphogenic cell movements through the matrix, and--primarily--to ordered building of epithelial tubules. Dysfunctions in invasive growth cause enhanced proliferation, uncontrolled migration into surrounding tissues, and failure to differentiate, events that foster tumour growth and invasiveness. Scatter factors act through tyrosine kinase receptors that belong to the Met oncogene family. Here we discuss how alterations of these receptors or of their signal transduction pathways are responsible for cancer onset and progression towards metastasis.
Insights
Scatter factors orchestrate invasive growth, a process crucial for normal development but implicated in cancer. Understanding their role via Met tyrosine kinase receptors is key to targeting tumor progression and metastasis.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Oncology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Scatter factors regulate essential cellular processes like detachment, proliferation, and matrix invasion, collectively termed 'invasive growth'.
- Aberrant invasive growth underlies tumor progression, characterized by uncontrolled proliferation, migration, and lack of differentiation, leading to cancer and metastasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of scatter factors and their associated tyrosine kinase receptors in cancer onset and metastasis.
- To discuss the implications of alterations in Met receptor signaling pathways in tumorigenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on scatter factors, invasive growth, and the Met oncogene family.
- Analysis of signal transduction pathways involving Met receptors in the context of cancer.
Main Results:
- Scatter factors are critical regulators of invasive growth, essential for both normal morphogenesis and pathological conditions like cancer.
- Dysfunctional invasive growth, driven by alterations in Met receptor signaling, promotes tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis.
Conclusions:
- Met tyrosine kinase receptors and their signaling pathways are central to cancer development and progression.
- Targeting Met receptor alterations offers a potential strategy for combating cancer metastasis.
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