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Platelets involved tumor cell EMT during circulation: communications and interventions
Xiaoying Wang1,2,3, Songyan Zhao1, Zhaoxia Wang4
1Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China.
Cell Communication and Signaling : CCS
|June 6, 2022
Summary
Platelets activate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in circulating tumor cells, driving metastasis. Targeting platelet-tumor cell communication offers new strategies against cancer spread.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Metastatic tumor cell spread is the primary cause of cancer-related mortality.
- Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process promoting tumor cell invasion and metastasis.
- While the tumor microenvironment's role in EMT is established, the impact of the circulation environment remains less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical role of platelets in inducing EMT in circulating tumor cells.
- To explore the signaling communications between platelets and tumor cells in the bloodstream.
- To identify potential therapeutic interventions targeting these platelet-tumor cell interactions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on studies investigating platelet-tumor cell interactions.
- Analysis of signaling pathways involved in platelet-mediated EMT induction.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on the role of the circulatory environment in metastasis.
Main Results:
- Platelets act as significant activators of EMT in tumor cells within the circulation.
- Specific communication pathways between platelets and circulating tumor cells facilitate EMT.
- Understanding these interactions provides a new perspective on hematogenous metastasis.
Conclusions:
- Platelets play a crucial, previously under-summarized role in promoting tumor cell EMT and metastasis.
- Targeting the communication between platelets and circulating tumor cells presents a promising therapeutic strategy.
- This review offers a complementary view to the tissue microenvironment's role in EMT, aiding in understanding metastasis and developing new treatments.
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