Cell-cell fusion, chemotaxis and metastasis

Abstract

This review covers the concept of cell-cell fusion as an important feature of cancer progression and its consequences. The fusion of abnormal (mutated proliferating) cells with “task force” cells of the immune system (e.g., leukocytes and stem cells) that respond to tissue damage and stress has now been demonstrated. Evidence is being accumulated that these hybrid cells incorporate the motile and flexible characteristics of the “task force” cells with the lack of cell-cycle control of the proliferating cells. These characteristics may be the primary features that facilitate invasion and metastasis of cancers. The behavior of leukocytes and stem cells can, thus, be used to understand, predict and ultimately control the most dangerous features of cancer.