Cells grouping tactic points to new cancer treatments

The mechanism that cells use to group together and move around the body has been discovered by scientists at UCL - a finding that has implications for the development of new cancer treatments. The study, which used embryonic cells, points to a new way of treating cancer where therapy is targeted at the process of cancer cells grouping together. The aim is to stop cancer cells from spreading and causing secondary tumours. In order for cells to migrate they form protrusions - much like oars of a boat - in the direction that they want to travel. However, if a single cell is isolated it produces these oars in all directions and ends up rowing in circles. To move around effectively cells must stick together before attempting to travel. The study, published today in the journal Developmental Cell, explains how this process works.