Non-Metastatic Cells

About NME / Non-Metastatic Cells:

Of all the major cell surface glycoproteins (MSG), NME1, or non-metastatic cells, were the first to be discovered and then identified. Their downregulation was located in a murine melanoma cell line, within the metastatic derivative determined to be part of that cell line.

NME Function
In the human body, there are ten related members of the gene family for NME. They are all slightly different, which is why they can be – and are – studied separately, although there are ongoing studies regarding the family as a whole and how the cells function together as well. NME1 is most closely related to NME2, and these are the two cells most closely associated with tumour progression. There have been studies on a variety of different types of cancer, and it has been noted that there is a definite correlation between metastasis and having a lower level of NME, including NME1. Breast cancer was the form of cancer that had the highest correlation.
However, it should be stated that in other types of cancer, particularly when it comes to neuroblastoma, lymphoma, and leukaemia, higher levels of NME1 have been correlated with an unfavourable prognosis. It would seem, therefore, that NME1 and others in the NME family have a number of different uses, and that if therapies are reliant on NME1 to promote non-metastatic cells, must take into account the potential side effects and the possibility that rather than helping, NME1 might hinder progress and the effectiveness of any medication. Much research still needs to be carried out so that we can gain a better understanding of non-metastatic cells.