The tumour microenvironment regulates components of the fucose biosynthesis pathways in colorectal cancer cells

摘要

Metastasis is the result of several sequential steps and represents a highly organized, non-random and organ-selective process1. The metastatic process includes, among others, detachment of tumour cells from the primary site, invasion through the basement membrane and the underlying extracellular matrix (ECM), intravasation, extravasation and establishment of the tumour in distant sites1. The extravasation of pre-metastatic cancer cells from the vasculature is a crucial and necessary step in the chain of events leading towards metastasis2. Like leukocytes, cancer cells extravasate by adhering to and penetrating through the endothelium.