Caught in the act: revealing the metastatic process by live imaging

Fein, M. R., Egeblad, M. (May 2013) Caught in the act: revealing the metastatic process by live imaging. Disease Models and Mechanisms, 6 (3). pp. 580-93. ISSN 1754-8411 (Electronic)1754-8403 (Linking)

URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23616077
DOI: 10.1242/dmm.009282

Abstract

The prognosis of metastatic cancer in patients is poor. Interfering with metastatic spread is therefore important for achieving better survival from cancer. Metastatic disease is established through a series of steps, including breaching of the basement membrane, intravasation and survival in lymphatic or blood vessels, extravasation, and growth at distant sites. Yet, although we know the steps involved in metastasis, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of dissemination and colonization of distant organs are incompletely understood. Here, we review the important insights into the metastatic process that have been gained specifically through the use of imaging technologies in murine, chicken embryo and zebrafish model systems, including high-resolution two-photon microscopy and bioluminescence. We further discuss how imaging technologies are beginning to allow researchers to address the role of regional activation of specific molecular pathways in the metastatic process. These technologies are shedding light, literally, on almost every step of the metastatic process, particularly with regards to the dynamics and plasticity of the disseminating cancer cells and the active participation of the microenvironment in the processes.

Item Type: Paper
Subjects: diseases & disorders > cancer
diseases & disorders
Investigative techniques and equipment
Investigative techniques and equipment > imaging
CSHL Authors:
Communities: CSHL labs > Egeblad lab
Depositing User: Matt Covey
Date: May 2013
Date Deposited: 26 Apr 2013 19:52
Last Modified: 03 Apr 2015 18:55
PMCID: PMC3634643
Related URLs:
URI: https://repository.cshl.edu/id/eprint/28269

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