ABSTRACT
Invasion and metastasis are the basic characteristics and important markers of malignant tumors, which are also the main cause of death in cancer patients. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is recognized as the first step of tumor invasion and metastasis. Many studies have demonstrated that cell fusion is a common phenomenon and plays a critical role in cancer development and progression. At present, cancer stem cell fusion has been considered as a new mechanism of cancer metastasis. Mesenchymal stromal/stem cell (MSC) is a kind of adult stem cells with high self-renewal ability and multidifferentiation potential, which is used as a very promising fusogenic candidate in the tumor microenvironment and has a crucial role in cancer progression. Many research results have shown that MSCs are involved in the regulation of tumor growth and metastasis through cell fusion. However, the role of cell fusion between MSCs and malignant cells in tumor growth and metastasis is still controversial. Several studies have demonstrated that MSCs can enhance malignant characteristics, promoting tumor growth and metastasis by fusing with malignant cells, while other conflicting reports believe that MSCs can reduce tumorigenicity upon fusion with malignant cells. In this review, we summarize the recent research on cell fusion events between MSCs and malignant cells in tumor growth and metastasis. The elucidation of the molecular mechanisms between MSC fusion and tumor metastasis may provide an effective strategy for tumor biotherapy.
Subject(s)
Cell Fusion , Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics , Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/genetics , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism , Neoplasms/genetics , Neoplastic Stem Cells/metabolism , Cell Communication , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Movement , Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Humans , Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism , Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/pathology , Neoplasm Metastasis , Neoplasm Proteins/genetics , Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism , Neoplasms/metabolism , Neoplasms/pathology , Neoplastic Stem Cells/pathology , Signal Transduction , Tumor Microenvironment/geneticsABSTRACT
Esophageal cancer is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors worldwide. Because of its challenging clinical characteristics, esophageal cancer is a major disease burden on the economy, society, and individuals. There is an urgent need to establish a beneficial policy to reduce the burden and to improve the health-related quality of life of patients. Primary prevention with smoking cessation and reduction of drinking alcohol are highly recommended. Screening, early diagnosis and treatment are suggested. This study intended to establish a modified future screening model from the social perspective that deploys different strategies for different populations. Risk assessment and community-based screening are proposed for high-risk populations. Health education in low-risk areas could help promote primary prevention to mitigate lifestyle factors and to increase public awareness and potentially to increase screening and early detection.
