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Updated: Jul 22, 2025
Zebrafish Model of Neuroblastoma Metastasis
Published on: March 14, 2021
The molecular basis of tumor metastasis and current approaches to decode targeted migration-promoting events in
Diana Corallo1, Marco Dalla Vecchia1, Daria Lazic2
1Laboratory of Target Discovery and Biology of Neuroblastoma, Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP), Fondazione Città della Speranza, 35127 Padova, Italy.
Abstract:
Cell motility is a crucial biological process that plays a critical role in the development of multicellular organisms and is essential for tissue formation and regeneration. However, uncontrolled cell motility can lead to the development of various diseases, including neoplasms. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the discovery of regulatory mechanisms underlying the metastatic spread of neuroblastoma, a solid pediatric tumor that originates in the embryonic migratory cells of the neural crest. The highly motile phenotype of metastatic neuroblastoma cells requires targeting of intracellular and extracellular processes, that, if affected, would be helpful for the treatment of high-risk patients with neuroblastoma, for whom current therapies remain inadequate. Development of new potentially migration-inhibiting compounds and standardized preclinical approaches for the selection of anti-metastatic drugs in neuroblastoma will also be discussed.
Insights
This review explores how targeting cell motility in neuroblastoma can combat cancer spread. Understanding these mechanisms offers new hope for treating high-risk pediatric neuroblastoma patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Cell motility is vital for development but implicated in diseases like cancer.
- Neuroblastoma, a pediatric cancer, originates from migratory neural crest cells.
- Metastatic neuroblastoma exhibits high cell motility, necessitating targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding neuroblastoma metastasis.
- To identify regulatory mechanisms of cell migration in neuroblastoma.
- To discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting cell motility.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on neuroblastoma metastasis.
- Analysis of intracellular and extracellular factors influencing cell migration.
- Discussion of preclinical models and drug development for anti-metastatic agents.
Main Results:
- Identified key regulatory pathways controlling neuroblastoma cell motility.
- Highlighted the potential of targeting these pathways for therapeutic intervention.
- Emphasized the need for standardized preclinical models for drug screening.
Conclusions:
- Targeting cell motility is a promising strategy for treating metastatic neuroblastoma.
- New migration-inhibiting compounds and preclinical approaches are crucial.
- Further research is needed to improve outcomes for high-risk neuroblastoma patients.
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