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Updated: Jun 28, 2025

MAME Models for 4D Live-cell Imaging of Tumor: Microenvironment Interactions that Impact Malignant Progression
Published on: February 17, 2012
CD44 and RHAMM Are Microenvironmental Sensors with Dual Metastasis Promoter and Suppressor Functions
Cornelia Tolg1, Kathleen Allen Hill2, Eva Ann Turley1,3
1Cancer Research Laboratory Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, Victoria Hospital, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada.
Abstract:
The progression of primary tumors to metastases remains a significant roadblock to the treatment of most cancers. Emerging evidence has identified genes that specifically affect metastasis and are potential therapeutic targets for managing tumor progression. However, these genes can have dual tumor promoter and suppressor functions that are contextual in manifestation, and that complicate their development as targeted therapies. CD44 and RHAMM/HMMR are examples of multifunctional proteins that can either promote or suppress metastases, as demonstrated in experimental models. These two proteins can be viewed as microenvironmental sensors and this minireview addresses the known mechanistic underpinnings that may determine their metastasis suppressor versus promoter functions. Leveraging this mechanistic knowledge for CD44, RHAMM, and other multifunctional proteins is predicted to improve the precision of therapeutic targeting to achieve more effective management of metastasis.
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