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Updated: Jan 29, 2026

A Mouse Model to Investigate the Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Tumor Growth
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The Roles of the Membrane-Anchored Glycoprotein RECK in Animal Development, Tumor Suppression, and Beyond

Makoto Noda1, David Alexander2, Tomoko Matsuzaki1,3

  • 1Department of Molecular Oncology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.

Life (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 28, 2026
PubMed

Insights

The RECK gene, a transformation suppressor, is crucial for development and suppresses tumor growth. Its reduced expression in cancers highlights its role in disease, prompting further research into its functions and applications.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • RECK (Reduced Expression in Colon Carcinomas) was identified as a transformation suppressor gene.
  • Reduced RECK expression is observed in various human cancers.
  • RECK encodes a glycoprotein inhibiting matrix metalloproteases, suggesting a role in tumor suppression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize current knowledge on the RECK gene.
  • To explore RECK's functions in tumor suppression and development.
  • To facilitate future research and applications of RECK.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on RECK.
  • Analysis of studies on RECK expression in cancer and development.
  • Examination of experimental evidence for RECK's tumor suppressor activity.

Main Results:

  • RECK plays a vital role in mammalian embryogenesis, including tissue integrity and neural/vascular system development.
  • Restored RECK expression inhibits tumor growth and metastasis in preclinical models.
  • Mechanisms of RECK downregulation in cancer and its involvement in non-cancerous disorders are being investigated.

Conclusions:

  • RECK is a bona fide tumor suppressor with critical developmental functions.
  • Understanding RECK's regulatory mechanisms and broader roles is essential.
  • Further research into RECK holds potential for therapeutic applications.
Keywords:
ECMMMPRECKWNT7angiogenesiscancerdevelopmentmetastasis

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