Cell Fusion as a Cofactor in Prostate Cancer Metastasis
Abstract
The research funded by this grant was proposed to test a hypothesis that cell fusion between tumor cells, or 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 specific aims were: 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). We hypothesized that gene transfer was mediated by cell fusion, but found that instead it was carried out by a retrovirus that the cells in question apparently acquired during propagation in mice. To accomplish Aim 2, we optimized production of cell hybrids by developing a new method for cell fusion and by dissecting how cell fusion induces pathways that cause apoptosis and prevent clonogenic cell survival. We also began conducted preliminary experiments to determine how cell fusion affects tumorigenicity. These experiments will continue during the extension that we were granted.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA554548
Entities
People
- Yuri Lazebnik
Organizations
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory