We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Disrupted Molecular Signaling Drives Cancer Metastasis

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 24 Jan 2017
Print article
Image: Molecular model of YAP (Yes-associated protein) (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).
Image: Molecular model of YAP (Yes-associated protein) (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).
A malfunction in molecular signaling that continually activates Yes-associated protein (YAP) has been linked to the ability of metastatic cancer cells to break away from the extracellular matrix (ECM) and travel throughout the body.

In order to study the interaction between YAP and ECM, investigators at The Institute of Cancer Research had to solve the technical challenge caused by perturbations that affect cell shape and, indirectly, protein localization. To this end they developed a method using single-cell image analysis and statistical models that exploited the naturally occurring heterogeneity of cellular populations.

The investigators then systematically deleted 950 individual genes in cancer cell lines to identify any that influenced YAP signaling. They reported in the January 5, 2017, online edition of the journal Cell Systems that the proteins beta-PIX and PAK2, were the drivers behind both YAP activation and cell-ECM adhesion turnover during cell spreading.

To examine how YAP's activity was controlled in cancer cells, the investigators worked with cultures of triple-negative breast cancer cells that were derived either from a primary tumor or from a metastatic site. They found that if the beta-PIX pathway was disabled in cells from the primary tumor, YAP failed to activate. In contrast, in cells taken from the site of metastasis, YAP did activate. This finding indicated that invasive cancer cells sustained high levels of YAP even when not bound to the surrounding matrix.

Senior author Dr. Chris Bakal, leader of the dynamical cell systems team at The Institute of Cancer Research, said, "Our research shows how cancer cells that have become invasive are able overcome the normal constraints on cell movement. Cancer cells that have spread around the body have a switch which is jammed on - allowing them to produce a molecule called YAP all the time. This allows them to keep growing and spreading throughout the body, ignoring the physical controls that would normally stop this happening. Understanding more about the physical processes which constrain and control the growth and movement of cells can open up exciting new avenues for cancer treatment, which may have been missed until now."

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Specimen Collection & Transport
Complement 3 (C3) Test
GPP-100 C3 Kit
Gold Member
Xylazine Immunoassay Test
Xylazine ELISA

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The study showed the blood-based cancer screening test detects 83% of people with colorectal cancer with specificity of 90% (Photo courtesy of Guardant Health)

Blood Test Shows 83% Accuracy for Detecting Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second biggest cause of cancer deaths among adults in the U.S., with forecasts suggesting 53,010 people might die from it in 2024. While fewer older adults are dying from this... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The Gazelle Hb Variant Test (Photo courtesy of Hemex Health)

First Affordable and Rapid Test for Beta Thalassemia Demonstrates 99% Diagnostic Accuracy

Hemoglobin disorders rank as some of the most prevalent monogenic diseases globally. Among various hemoglobin disorders, beta thalassemia, a hereditary blood disorder, affects about 1.5% of the world's... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The new platform is designed to perform blood-based diagnoses of nontuberculosis mycobacteria (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

New Blood Test Cuts Diagnosis Time for Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections from Months to Hours

Breathing in nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is a common experience for many people. These bacteria are present in water systems, soil, and dust all over the world and usually don't cause any problems.... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image: These new assays are being developed for use on the recently introduced DxI 9000 Immunoassay Analyzer (Photo courtesy of Beckman Coulter)

Beckman Coulter and Fujirebio Expand Partnership on Neurodegenerative Disease Diagnostics

Beckman Coulter Diagnostics (Brea, CA, USA) and Fujirebio Diagnostics (Tokyo, Japan) have expanded their partnership focused on the development, manufacturing and clinical adoption of neurodegenerative... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.