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Hijacking a Morphogenesis Proteinase for Cancer Cell Invasion
1Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, UK.
Developmental Cell
|October 24, 2018
Summary
Cancer cells use developmental pathways to invade tissues. Researchers found matrix metalloproteinase Mmp14 drives mammary invasion in both development and cancer, revealing a shared mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Developmental biology
- Cancer research
Background:
- Cancer invasion into surrounding stroma is a critical process.
- The role of developmental pathways in cancer progression is an ongoing question.
- Mammary gland development involves complex tissue remodeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if cancer cells hijack developmental processes for invasion.
- To identify key molecular drivers of mammary invasion in both development and cancer.
- To uncover novel therapeutic targets for cancer invasion.
Main Methods:
- Utilized genetic and biochemical approaches in mouse models.
- Analyzed gene expression and protein activity related to matrix metalloproteinases.
- Compared invasive mechanisms during mammary development and cancer progression.
Main Results:
- Identified matrix metalloproteinase 14 (Mmp14) as a crucial factor in mammary invasion.
- Demonstrated that Mmp14-driven invasion is conserved between mammary development and cancer.
- Uncovered a specific regulatory mechanism or 'twist' in Mmp14 function during cancer invasion.
Conclusions:
- Cancer cells exploit conserved developmental pathways, specifically Mmp14-mediated invasion, for stromal invasion.
- Mmp14 represents a potential therapeutic target for inhibiting cancer metastasis.
- Understanding these shared mechanisms offers insights into both normal development and disease pathology.
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