Outsmart cancer cells: researchers learn how they spread

Saint Louis University, scientists have a new mechanism for the movement of cells and fluid from the tissue, lymph vessels control identified. It may be possible to use this mechanism against cancer spread to improve from one organ to another organ and the efficacy of vaccines.

The lymphatic system is a comprehensive liquid, consisting of vessels in the body. You defend the body against infections. Cancer cells and fight the infection cells that are part of the immune system the lymphatic system to other organs, including the lymph nodes from.

If cancer cells along the lymphatic system by a part of the body to an other travel, metastases - cause to spread to other organs. Many cancer cells, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer, enter the lymph vessels by releasing molecules, unbutton the button structures between lymphatic lining cells. So that they can in or from the lymphatic transport system to win passage.

SLU scientists have found that known as ligands CRSBP-1 (known also as LYVE-1), which are a group of growth factors and Cytokines, bind molecules to CRSBP-1 receptors are located on the surface of the lymph vessels. This stimulates a response, and is to gain network such as a token for access to the lymphatic vessel. This mechanism for getting into the lymphatic system is used by many cancer cells.

"If the token CRSBP-1 is bound, it will open the gate", said Wei-hsien Hou, PhD., lead author of the paper and a MD / PhD student at the Saint Louis University School of medicine. "Our study is the first to identify a function for this protein." "It is important, because it gives us a new destination to block metastasis, oedema (swelling of the body of liquid structure) treat and enhance the effectiveness of vaccines by strengthening the body's immune responses."

The research team found that this CRSBP-1 ligand reduce molecules (PDGF-BB and VEGF-A) edema in a mouse model of lymphatic intercellular junctions is open, so that drain fluid through the lymphatic network and causing swelling to go.

Understand how to gain access to the lymphatic network is important and have a strong impact in the areas of cancer and immune research, said Jung S. Huang, PhD., a co-author of the study, Professor of Biochemistry and molecular biology at Saint Louis University and Hou's mentor. "Once can you find out, such as breast and other cancers spread, you start to work on blocking the process." This is very exciting, said "he."

The research grants from the national institutes of health supported, was reported in the 15 April issue of the journal of cell science. Other co-authors in this paper Liu, m.s., Cheng C. Tsai, m.d., Frank E. Johnson, m.d. and Shuan S. Huang, PhD include - hua.

Source:
Saint Louis University Medical Center