The PKR-like ER kinase (PERK)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4)-arm of the UPR induces expression of lysosomal-associated membrane protein 3 (LAMP3), a factor that has been linked to metastasis and poor prognosis in solid tumors.
However, we also find that LAMP3 is a key mediator of hypoxia-driven nodal metastasis, through its ability to promote metastatic properties including cell migration.
The RT-LAMP technique showed similar sensitivity to detect metastases as nested RT-PCR assay, with a rapidity comparable to that of intraoperative histopathological examination with frozen sectioning and hematoxylin and eosin staining.
Because two other members of the LAMP family of lysosomal membrane glycoproteins, LAMP1 and LAMP2, were previously implicated in potentially modulating the interaction of vascular endothelial and cancer cells, we hypothesized that LAMP3 might also play an important part in metastasis.