METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR MODULATING CELL MOTILITY AND INHIBITING TUMOR METASTASIS

摘要

This invention relates to identification of genes that promote motility and migration of tumor cells, e.g., MAP4K4, CDK7, FGFR1, DYRK1B, and SERPINB3. The invention also provides methods of using the pro-migration molecule to screen for compounds that inhibit tumor metastasis. The methods comprise first screening test compounds for modulators that down-regulate one of these pro-migration molecules (its cellular level or enzymatic activities), and then further screening the identified compounds for ability to inhibit migration or motility of a tumor cell. The invention further provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for inhibiting tumor metastasis in a subject.