Skin cancer cells harness nerve cell gene to drill through and invade new tissues
Source: The Institute of Cancer Research, August 2022
Melanoma skin cancer cells harness a gene usually used by growing nerves to escape from their immediate area and spread through tissues, new research has found.
Scientists found that melanoma cells use the gene ARHGEF9 to create ‘molecular drills’ which help them attach to, and punch holes through, surrounding cells and structures.
These molecular drills, also called filopodia, are also involved in the growth and development of new nerves.