Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 5, 2026
Rapid and Robust Analysis of Cellular and Molecular Polarization Induced by Chemokine Signaling
Published on: December 12, 2014
Signaling-chemokine axis network in brain as a sanctuary site for metastasis
Shirin Azizidoost1, Ali Amin Asnafi1, Najmaldin Saki1
1Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Research Institute of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
Background:
Brain metastasis remains a major cause of death in patients with solid cancers. The co-operation between several molecular factors such as chemokines, chemokine receptors, and signaling pathways is involved in the pathogenesis of brain metastasis mostly from solid tumors. In this review, we examine the possible role of chemokine/receptor axis, as well as signaling pathways as prognostic biomarkers in brain metastasis.
Methods:
Relevant English language literature were searched and retrieved from Google Scholar search engine (1993-2017). The following keywords were used: "chemokine," "signaling pathway," "brain," "metastasis," and "niche."
Results:
Increased expression of chemokines like CXCL12 and dysregulated signaling intermediates such as Notch in patients with solid tumors (e.g., breast cancer) is associated with brain metastasis.
Conclusions:
As biomarkers for brain metastasis, chemokine, and signaling intermediates are potential prognostic factors in a number of solid tumor, including breast cancer, melanoma, and lung cancer.
Insights
Chemokines and signaling pathways are key players in brain metastasis from solid tumors. These molecules show potential as prognostic biomarkers for brain metastasis in cancers like breast cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Brain metastasis is a significant cause of mortality in solid cancer patients.
- The development of brain metastasis involves complex molecular interactions, including chemokines, receptors, and signaling pathways.
- Understanding these molecular mechanisms is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the chemokine/receptor axis in brain metastasis.
- To examine the function of signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of brain metastasis.
- To evaluate the potential of chemokines and signaling pathways as prognostic biomarkers for brain metastasis.
Main Methods:
- A literature search was conducted using Google Scholar from 1993 to 2017.
- Keywords included "chemokine," "signaling pathway," "brain," "metastasis," and "niche."
- The review focused on studies investigating the molecular mechanisms of brain metastasis.
Main Results:
- Elevated chemokine expression (e.g., CXCL12) is linked to brain metastasis in solid tumors.
- Dysregulated signaling intermediates, such as Notch, are associated with increased risk of brain metastasis.
- These molecular factors are implicated in the 'niche' that supports metastatic growth.
Conclusions:
- Chemokines and signaling pathway intermediates are potential prognostic biomarkers for brain metastasis.
- These biomarkers are relevant across various solid tumors, including breast cancer, melanoma, and lung cancer.
- Further research into these molecular targets may lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:37Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
02:30Metastasis
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...
02:26Protein Networks
These interactions can be represented through maps depicting protein-protein interaction networks, represented as nodes and edges. Nodes are circles that are representative of a protein,...
01:16Perpendicular-Axis Theorem
Consider a circular disc of mass M and radius R lying along an x-y plane. The origin lies at the center of the disc, and the z-axis is perpendicular to the disc's plane. All three axes coincide at the disc's center. The moment of inertia of this...
01:06Parallel-axis Theorem
02:18Network Covalent Solids
To break or to melt a covalent network solid, covalent bonds must be broken. Because covalent bonds are relatively strong, covalent network solids are typically...