Metastasis suppressors: functional pathways

Lab Invest. 2018 Feb;98(2):198-210. doi: 10.1038/labinvest.2017.104. Epub 2017 Oct 2.

Abstract

Metastasis is a complex process and a major contributor of death in cancer patients. Metastasis suppressor genes are identified by their ability to inhibit metastasis at a secondary site without affecting the growth of primary tumor. In this review, we have conducted a survey of the metastasis suppressor literature to identify common downstream pathways. The metastasis suppressor genes mechanistically target MAPK, G-protein-coupled receptor, cell adhesion, cytoskeletal, transcriptional regulatory, and metastasis susceptibility pathways. The majority of the metastasis suppressor genes are functionally multifactorial, inhibiting metastasis at multiple points in the cascade, and many operate in a context-dependent fashion. A greater understanding of common pathways/molecules targeted by metastasis suppressor could improve metastasis treatment strategies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Models, Genetic
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Signal Transduction / genetics*
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / genetics*

Substances

  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins