Leukocyte-Cancer Cell Fusion: Initiator of the Warburg Effect in Malignancy?

摘要: The causes of metastasis remain unknown, however it has been proposed for nearly a century that metastatic cells are generated by fusion tumor with tumor-associated leukocytes such as macrophages. Indeed, regardless cell or tissue origin, when cancer in the original situ transform to malignant, invasive cells, they generally become aneuploid and begin express molecules traits characteristic activated This includes two key features malignancy: chemotactic motility use aerobic glycolysis metabolic energy source (the Warburg effect). Here we review evidence these phenomena can be well-explained macrophage-cancer fusion, evidenced studies experimental macrophage-melanoma hybrids vitro spontaneous host-tumor animals more recently humans. A finding emerge is alike displayed high degree constitutive autophagy, macrophage trait expressed under hypoxia nutrient deprivation part effect. Subsequent surveys 21 different human cancers from 2,000 cases revealed vast majority (~85%) exhibited autophagy this was associated proliferation metastasis. While much work needs done, posit findings could reflection widespread leukocyte-cancer an initiator Such fusions would generate capabilities survival adverse conditions deprivation, while at same time maintaining deregulated mitotic cycle partner.