Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 26, 2025

Modeling Brain Metastasis Via Tail-Vein Injection of Inflammatory Breast Cancer Cells
Published on: February 4, 2021
Circulating MicroRNAs and Blood-Brain-Barrier Function in Breast Cancer Metastasis
Carolin J Curtaz1, Constanze Schmitt2, Kinga G Blecharz-Lang3
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
Abstract:
Brain metastases are a major cause of death in breast cancer patients. A key event in the metastatic progression of breast cancer in the brain is the migration of cancer cells across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a natural barrier with specialized functions that protect the brain from harmful substances, including antitumor drugs. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) sequestered by cells are mediators of cell-cell communication. EVs carry cellular components, including microRNAs that affect the cellular processes of target cells. Here, we summarize the knowledge about microRNAs known to play a significant role in breast cancer and/or in the BBB function. In addition, we describe previously established in vitro BBB models, which are a useful tool for studying molecular mechanisms involved in the formation of brain metastases.
Related Concept Videos
MicroRNAs
MicroRNAs
Metastasis
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...
The Blood-brain Barrier
The Tumor Microenvironment

