Citation

Michor F, Iwasa Y. 2006. Dynamics of metastasis suppressor gene inactivation. Journal of theoretical biology. 241(3):676-89. Pubmed: 16497335

Abstract

For most cancer cell types, the acquisition of metastatic ability leads to clinically incurable disease. Twelve metastasis suppressor genes (MSGs) have been identified that reduce the metastatic propensity of cancer cells. If these genes are inactivated in both alleles, metastatic ability is promoted. Here, we develop a mathematical model of the dynamics of MSG inactivation and calculate the expected number of metastases formed by a tumor. We analyse the effects of increased mutation rates and different fitness values of cells with one or two inactivated alleles on the ability of a tumor to form metastases. We find that mutations that are negatively selected in the main tumor are unlikely to be responsible for the majority of metastases produced by a tumor. Most metastases-causing mutations will be present in all (or most) cells in the main tumor.

Related Faculty

Photo of Franziska Michor

Franziska Michor uses the tools of theoretical evolutionary biology, applied mathematics, statistics, and computational biology to address important questions in cancer research.

Search Menu