This suggests the presence of a metastasis-suppressor genes on chromosome 6 in melanoma and chromosome 11 in breast cancer. In both model systems, we have subsequently identified metastasis suppressor genes, KiSS-1 and BRMS1, respectively. We are now focusing our efforts on understanding the mechanisms of action for these two genes. When MEK1 was transfected into NIH3T3 cells, they became both tumorigenic and metastatic. The data indicate a novel branch point in the pathway downstream of MEK1.
Current research is designed to elucidate that pathway.
Metastasis is also regulated by signals received from other cells. Tumor cells secrete, as well as respond to metastasis-modulating growth factors. In fact, tumor cells can induce specific members of the immune system to assist a cell during the metastatic cascade. The molecules involved in stimulating the immune system are being identified. Likewise, the molecules that distinguish the immune cells capable of assisting metastasis, rather than elimination of tumor cells, are being determined.