The role of disturbed pH dynamics and the Na+/H+ exchanger in metastasis.

Authors :: Cardone, Rosa A.
Casavola, Valeria
Reshkin, Stephan J.
Source :: Nature Reviews Cancer; Oct2005, Vol. 5 Issue 10, p786-795, 10p, 2 Black and White Photographs, 5 Diagrams
Publication Year :: 2005
Abstract: Recent research has highlighted the fundamental role of the tumour's extracellular metabolic microenvironment in malignant invasion. This microenvironment is acidified primarily by the tumour-cell Na<superscript>+</superscript>/H<superscript>+</superscript> exchanger NHE1 and the H<superscript>+</superscript>/lactate cotransporter, which are activated in cancer cells. NHE1 also regulates formation of invadopodia — cell structures that mediate tumour cell migration and invasion. How do these alterations of the metabolic microenvironment and cell invasiveness contribute to tumour formation and progression? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]