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 the previous report period, we made an unexpected finding that a virus transfers genetic markers among the prostate cancer cells that we were using. Since then, we obtained a partial sequence of the viral genome, which is consistent with the possibility that this virus is related to XRMV, a virus isolated from prostate cancer biopsies. We will continue to characterize this potentially new virus. To accomplish Aim 2, we optimized production of cell hybrids and began determining their metastatic and tumorigenic properties.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA502565
Entities
People
- Yuri Lazebnik
Organizations
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory