British scientists have discovered a mechanism through which cancer cells are able to migrate through the body, using as a model stem cells.

A team of researchers from Manchester University identified key changes in the cellular structure of cancer tissue that allows cancer cells to migrate freely to other parts of the body and form metastatic foci there.

Normal cells and cells of the initial stages of cancer belong to epithelial cells. Cells of this type form very strong layers of tissue, linking together strong bonds.

As the tumor progresses, some of the cells are rearranged and become cells of a different type - mesenchymal, which never form bonds and are located in the body by loose clumps.

This key change, called epithelial-mesenchymal transformation, is first observed in the embryo, which led scientists to the idea that stem cells can undergo the same developmental phases as cancers.

According to the head of the project, Professor Chris Ward, embryonic cells do indeed go through a very similar process, which allows them to be used as a model for further study of the degeneration and spread of cancer cells.

Understanding the key mechanisms of carcinogenesis will enable scientists to develop effective principles for combating this transformation and prevent the spread of cancer to other organs and tissues, thereby greatly simplifying cancer therapy.

These studies were published in the May issue of the journal Molecular Biology of the Cell.

Medicinform. Net.

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