Metastasis suppressor

Metastasis suppressor is a type of gene that helps control or prevent the metastasis of cancer cells from the primary tumor to other parts of the body. These genes are often lost or inactivated in metastatic cancers.

Function

The primary function of metastasis suppressor genes is to inhibit the spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body. They do this by controlling the ability of cancer cells to detach from the primary tumor, invade surrounding tissues, and establish new tumors in distant organs.

Examples

Some examples of metastasis suppressor genes include BRMS1, CD82, CDH1, CTC1, DRG1, KAI1, KiSS1, MKK4, MKK6, MMAC1/PTEN, NDRG1, NM23, RhoGDI2, RKIP, SDPR, and WIF1.

Clinical significance

The loss or inactivation of metastasis suppressor genes is often associated with a poor prognosis in cancer patients. Therefore, these genes are potential targets for new cancer therapies. For example, drugs that restore the function of these genes could potentially inhibit metastasis and improve patient survival.

See also

• Oncogene
• Tumor suppressor gene
• Cancer metastasis
• Gene therapy