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Lessons from Embryogenesis

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Melanoma Development

Abstract

The plastic phenotype of aggressive melanoma has presented a significant challenge in the detection and targeting of tumor cells exhibiting stem cell-like characteristics. As the molecular signaling pathways underlying tumor cell plasticity become more transparent, our understanding of how to suppress this elusive phenotype will be enhanced. Indeed, we are making progress in identifying critical embryonic pathways, such as the Nodal signaling pathway, that reemerge in aggressive tumor cells – in the absence of regulatory check points. Because Nodal is not expressed by the majority of normal adult tissues, and is over-expressed by aggressive tumor cells, it represents a valuable new therapeutic target. Collectively, we have learned a great deal from studies that focus our attention on the convergence of embryonic and tumorigenic signaling pathways. At this interaction of normal development and tumor formation reside the clues to suppressing cancer progression.

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Acknowledgments

These studies were funded by grants from the NIH/NCI CA59702, CA121205, and CA143869.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Children’s Memorial Research Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, 2300 Children’s Plaza, 222, Chicago, IL, 60614, USA

    Mary J. C. Hendrix

Authors
  1. Luigi Strizzi
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  2. Katharine M. Hardy
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  3. Elisabeth A. Seftor
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  4. Naira V. Margaryan
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  5. Dawn A. Kirschmann
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  6. Gina T. Kirsammer
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  7. Caleb M. Bailey
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  8. Jennifer C. Kasemeier-Kulesa
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  9. Paul M. Kulesa
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  10. Richard E. B. Seftor
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  11. Mary J. C. Hendrix
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Correspondence to Mary J. C. Hendrix .

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  1. , Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathololgy, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, Regensburg, 93053, Germany

    Anja Bosserhoff

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Strizzi, L. et al. (2011). Lessons from Embryogenesis. In: Bosserhoff, A. (eds) Melanoma Development. Springer, Vienna. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-0371-5_13

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