Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 8, 2026

A Macrophage-Tumor Spheroid Co-Invasion Assay
Published on: January 24, 2025
An ex(o)citing machinery for invasive tumor growth
An Hendrix1, Wendy Westbroek, Marc Bracke
1Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Radiation Oncology and Experimental Cancer Research, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
Abstract:
Cancer cells communicate with the environment through delivery of surface proteins, release of soluble factors (growth factors and cytokines), and sophisticated nanovehicles (exosomes) for establishment of invasive tumor growth. This communication occurs in part through constitutive exocytosis, regulated exocytosis, or release of intraluminal vesicles, and is modulated by small Rab GTPases, the master regulators of vesicle traffic. We studied Rab GTPases implicated in regulated exocytosis and showed a unique role for Rab27B in invasive tumor growth. Emerging evidence indicates that various exocytic routes are implemented by cancer cells to relay crucial information for fostering growth, migration, and matrix degradation.
Related Concept Videos
Exponential Growth
Relationship Growth
Protein Translocation Machinery on the ER Membrane
Sec61 protein conducting channel
In eukaryotes, the translocon complex comprises a core heterotrimeric translocator channel called the Sec61 complex. This channel includes three transmembrane proteins, Sec61α, Sec61β, and Sec61γ, and is the largest subunit of the...
Population Growth
Excitation-Contraction Coupling in Skeletal Muscles
When an action...
Meristems and Plant Growth

