Human Biochemistry, Volume 2 - Murray R. 1993
Special Topics
Cancer, Oncogenes, Growth Factors
Polypeptide Growth Factors - Metastasis
Metastasis is the migration of tumor Cells from the primary site to other Tissues, where they establish secondary tumors. The metastatic process is highly complex, and very little is currently known about its biochemical mechanisms. It is hypothesized that metastasis reflects a disruption in intercellular interactions; consequently, significant research attention is currently focused on examining the surface characteristics of normal versus tumor cells. Evidence shows that The surface of tumor cells is markedly altered (Table 57.9), although not all of these modifications are directly linked to the metastatic process.
Class="center">Table 57.9. Selected alterations observed On the surface of malignant cells. (Adapted from Robbins J. C., Nicolson G. L. Surfaces of normal and transformed cells. In: Cancer: A Comprehensive Treatise, Vol. 4, Beckerr F. F. (editor). Plenum Press, 1975.)
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Alterations in permeability Changes in transport properties Decreased adhesion Enhanced Cell agglutination by plant Lectins Changes in The activity of several Enzymes (e.g., certain proteases) Alteration in surface charge Appearance of new Antigens Loss of certain antigens Alterations in glycoprotein oligosaccharide chains Changes in glycolipid composition |
Currently, researchers are directing their efforts toward developing convenient animal model systems to investigate the metastatic process. Much of the work focuses on elucidating the potential role of specific cell-surface proteases (such as type IV collagenase), Glycoproteins, and glycosphingolipids in metastasis. For instance, alterations in the oligosaccharide chains of cellular glycoproteins may be a critical factor in the onset of metastasis (these changes being secondary to shifts in the activity of specific glycoprotein Glycosyltransferases). Understanding the biochemical mechanisms underlying metastasis could provide a foundation for developing more effective anti-tumor therapies.
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