Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Lung Tumor Cell Recruitment Assay
Published on: February 26, 2019
Tumor-induced platelet aggregation and growth promoting factors as determinants for successful tumor metastasis
Abstract:
Two clones isolated from a metastatic variant of mouse colon adenocarcinoma 26; the high metastatic NL-17 and the low metastatic NL-44, induced similar platelet aggregation in vitro. Heterotypic aggregates of tumor cells and platelets were injected i.v. into mice. The lung colonization potential of the NL-17 was dependent on the extent of tumor cell platelet aggregation. This clearly indicates that the interaction of tumor cells with platelets can lead to enhanced tumor metastasis possibly through more efficient intravascular arrest of the heterotypic aggregates. The interaction of tumor cells with platelets could thus be an important determinant for successful metastasis. NL-44, however, did not form pulmonary metastasis even after the tumor cells formed heterotypic aggregates with platelets, suggesting that tumor metastasis, is dependent on the intrinsic nature of tumor cells. Lung extract enhanced the growth of NL-17 more effectively than that of NL-44. These results suggest that, in addition to the interaction of metastatic cells and platelets, host factors including growth-promoting factors might also have an important role in tumor metastasis.
Related Concept Videos
Cancer
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
Tumor Progression
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
The Tumor Microenvironment
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...
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...

