Cell-In-Cell Action

The mechanism by which tumor cells end up harboring other living cells remains elusive, and the sparse evidence acquired thus far has led researchers to propose different hypotheses.

Written byJef Akst

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Infographic: Cell-In-Cell-Action View full size JPG | PDF LUCY READING - IKKANDA

The mechanism by which tumor cells end up harboring other living cells remains elusive, and the sparse evidence acquired thus far has led researchers to propose different hypotheses. Depending on the character of both the host cell and internalized cells, which cell initiates the process—and the molecular players involved—may vary. Once one cell is inside the other, however, the structures formed are nearly indistinguishable, and the internalized cells seem to undergo one of three different fates.

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Meet the Author

Jef Akst
Jef (an unusual nickname for Jennifer) got her master’s degree from Indiana University in April 2009 studying the mating behavior of seahorses. After four years of diving off the Gulf Coast of Tampa and performing behavioral experiments at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, she left research to pursue a career in science writing. As The Scientist's managing editor, Jef edited features and oversaw the production of the TS Digest and quarterly print magazine. In 2022, her feature on uterus transplantation earned first place in the trade category of the Awards for Excellence in Health Care Journalism. She is a member of the National Association of Science Writers.
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