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

Metastasis suppressors: functional pathways

Imran Khan  1 , Patricia S Steeg  1
Affiliations
Review

Metastasis suppressors: functional pathways

Imran Khan et al. Lab Invest. 2018 Feb.

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.

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Conflict of interest statement

DISCLOSURE/CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway highlighting metastasis suppressor targeting sites.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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