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Horizontal Transfer of Malignant Traits and the Involvement of Extracellular Vesicles in Metastasis
Goffredo O Arena1,2,3, Stefano Forte3, Mohamed Abdouh4
1Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada.
Abstract:
Metastases are responsible for the vast majority of cancer deaths, yet most therapeutic efforts have focused on targeting and interrupting tumor growth rather than impairing the metastatic process. Traditionally, cancer metastasis is attributed to the dissemination of neoplastic cells from the primary tumor to distant organs through blood and lymphatic circulation. A thorough understanding of the metastatic process is essential to develop new therapeutic strategies that improve cancer survival. Since Paget's original description of the "Seed and Soil" hypothesis over a hundred years ago, alternative theories and new players have been proposed. In particular, the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by cancer cells and their uptake by neighboring cells or at distinct anatomical sites has been explored. Here, we will outline and discuss these alternative theories and emphasize the horizontal transfer of EV-associated biomolecules as a possibly major event leading to cell transformation and the induction of metastases. We will also highlight the recently discovered intracellular pathway used by EVs to deliver their cargoes into the nucleus of recipient cells, which is a potential target for novel anti-metastatic strategies.
Insights
Metastases cause most cancer deaths. This study explores extracellular vesicles (EVs) in cancer spread, highlighting their role in cell transformation and potential as anti-metastatic targets.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Metastasis Research
Background:
- Metastasis, the spread of cancer, is the primary cause of cancer-related mortality.
- Current therapies primarily target primary tumor growth, not the metastatic process itself.
- Understanding metastasis mechanisms is crucial for developing effective anti-cancer strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and discuss alternative theories of cancer metastasis.
- To emphasize the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in mediating metastasis.
- To highlight novel intracellular pathways for EV cargo delivery as potential therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and theoretical discussion of cancer metastasis.
- Analysis of the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in horizontal biomolecule transfer.
- Examination of recently discovered intracellular pathways for EV cargo delivery.
Main Results:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a significant role in cancer cell dissemination and transformation.
- Horizontal transfer of EV-associated biomolecules is a key event in metastasis.
- A newly identified intracellular pathway for EV cargo delivery into recipient cell nuclei has been discovered.
Conclusions:
- Alternative theories, particularly involving extracellular vesicles (EVs), offer new perspectives on cancer metastasis.
- EV-mediated horizontal transfer of biomolecules is a critical factor in inducing metastases.
- Targeting the intracellular pathway of EV cargo delivery presents a promising strategy for novel anti-metastatic therapies.
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