Platelets and tumor cells: a new form of border control

Cancer Cell. 2013 Jul 8;24(1):9-11. doi: 10.1016/j.ccr.2013.06.009.

Abstract

Tumor metastasis is the primary cause of death due to cancer, but the mechanisms by which tumor cells metastasize remain incompletely understood. In this issue of Cancer Cell, Schumacher and colleagues suggest that ATP released from tumor-associated platelets in the blood facilitates tumor metastasis by relaxing endothelial barrier function.

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphate / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Blood Platelets / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Metastasis*
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2Y2 / physiology

Substances

  • Receptors, Purinergic P2Y2
  • Adenosine Triphosphate