Summary of the science
Understanding how organisms control their size is important for normal development and diseases like cancer. Researchers have identified specific pathways that regulate tissue and organ growth. Disruption of these pathways can lead to uncontrolled growth and tumour formation. Metastasis, the spread of cancer cells, involves genetic changes that promote invasion and movement. The Xu lab found that similar molecular processes are used in both normal development and cancer invasion. Targeting these processes may help develop treatments for metastasis.
About the research
The Xu lab employs model organisms to elucidate the genetic basis of tumour growth and metastasis. Their research employs forward genetics, utilising Drosophila for genome-wide screens to identify genes involved in metastasis. They investigate apicobasal polarity mutations in conjunction with oncogenic Ras mutations, activating JNK signalling and suppressing the E-cadherin/β-catenin adhesion complex. Their work also explores the shared invasion machinery and matrix metalloproteinase expression, crucial for both developmental and tumour invasion processes.
About the illustration
We decided to show the difference between normal development and disease (cancer) by comparing the growth of the Drosophila eye, the model organism used in Tian Xu's research. The right eye has grown out of control (cancer), whereas the left eye has developed normally.