An ex(o)citing machinery for invasive tumor growth

Cancer Res. 2010 Dec 1;70(23):9533-7. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-10-3248. Epub 2010 Nov 23.

Abstract

Cancer cells communicate with the environment through delivery of surface proteins, release of soluble factors (growth factors and cytokines), and sophisticated nanovehicles (exosomes) for establishment of invasive tumor growth. This communication occurs in part through constitutive exocytosis, regulated exocytosis, or release of intraluminal vesicles, and is modulated by small Rab GTPases, the master regulators of vesicle traffic. We studied Rab GTPases implicated in regulated exocytosis and showed a unique role for Rab27B in invasive tumor growth. Emerging evidence indicates that various exocytic routes are implemented by cancer cells to relay crucial information for fostering growth, migration, and matrix degradation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Exocytosis*
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Secretory Vesicles / metabolism*
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Rab27B protein, human
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins