Motility without invasion

Breast cancer cells dance around the subject before becoming invasive, if results from Pearson and Hunter are any indication. The findings show that mammary epithelial cells can become motile within their environment without being invasive. Their motility, however, places them one step closer to metastasis.

Many breast cancers are hallmarked by the unchecked activity of the ERK1/2 MAP kinase pathway. Pearson and Hunter investigated the mechanism by which these kinases, which are normally activated by extracellular growth factors, lead to tumorigenesis. They imaged breast epithelial cells in a 3D model that mimics their in vivo environment. In this model, the cells polarize on a basement membrane to form hollow spheres called acini.

Within mature acini, the provoked action of ERK1/2 encouraged cells to leave their appointed locations. They glided along the...