Cell Fusion as a Cause of Prostate Cancer Metastasis
Abstract
We proposed to test a hypothesis that cell fusion between tumor cells and between tumor and normal cells contributes to metastasis. This contribution can be implemented by two mechanisms, by generating cells with diverse genetic and epigenetic properties, and by providing tumor cells with qualities of normal cells that are required to reside in normal tissues. This hypothesis might explain why cells tumor cells can grow at distant sites, why they express proteins that are normally expressed by cells of the metastasized tissue, and why only a minute fraction of cells released by the primary tumors form metastases. The funded research focuses on two specific aims, to determine the mechanism of gene transfer between prostate cancer cells (Aim 1); and to determine whether cell fusion affects metastatic properties of prostate cancer cells (Aim 2). During this reporting period, we identified the mechanism of gene transfer, thus completing Aim 1. The unexpected finding that the transfer was carried out by a virus prompted us to initiate a new line of research the first step of which will be to identify the virus. This finding also prompted us to develop a new approach for cell fusion, which will serve as the main technique for the experiments proposed in Aim 2. Accomplishing this Aim will be the main focus of our research for the remaining funding period.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA501720
Entities
People
- Yuri Lazebnik
Organizations
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory