Cell lineage determinants as regulators of breast cancer metastasis.

TitleCell lineage determinants as regulators of breast cancer metastasis.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2016
AuthorsLu, W, Kang, Y
JournalCancer Metastasis Rev
Volume35
Issue4
Pagination631-644
Date Published2016 Dec
ISSN1573-7233
KeywordsAnimals, Breast Neoplasms, Cell Lineage, Female, Humans, Mammary Glands, Animal, Mammary Glands, Human, Neoplasm Metastasis
Abstract

<p>The mammary epithelium is organized in a hierarchy of mammary stem cells (MaSCs), progenitors, and differentiated cells. The development and homeostasis of mammary gland are tightly controlled by a complex network of cell lineage regulators. These determinants of cellular hierarchy are frequently deregulated in breast tumor cells and closely associated with cancer progression and metastasis. They also contribute to the diversity of breast cancer subtypes and their distinct metastatic patterns. Cell fate regulators that normally promote stem/progenitor activities can serve as drivers for epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis whereas regulators that promote terminal differentiation generally suppress metastasis. In this review, we discuss how some of the key factors function in normal mammary lineage determination and how these processes are hijacked by tumor cells to enhance metastasis. Understanding the molecular connections between normal development and cancer metastasis will enable the development of more specific and effective therapeutic approaches targeting metastatic tumor cells.</p>

DOI10.1007/s10555-016-9644-y
Alternate JournalCancer Metastasis Rev
PubMed ID27866304
Grant ListR01 CA141062 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States