Developmental plasticity as a framework for paediatric cancer metastasis

Green, Darrell ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0217-3322 and Sexton, Darren (2026) Developmental plasticity as a framework for paediatric cancer metastasis. Trends Open. ISSN 3117-3470 (In Press)

Microsoft Word (OpenXML) (Developmental plasticity FINAL) - Accepted Version Restricted to Repository staff only until 31 December 2099. Available under License Creative Commons Attribution No Derivatives. Request a copy

Abstract

Metastasis is the principal cause of cancer-related mortality in children, yet its biological origins remain incompletely understood. Paediatric cancers frequently combine low mutation burdens with structural genomic alterations and phenotypic heterogeneity, suggesting that metastatic progression reflects interactions between genetic evolution and cellular plasticity. Here, we integrate genomic, epigenomic, developmental and single-cell evidence to examine how oncogenic lesions and developmental origin define accessible cellular states, while epigenetic, metabolic and microenvironmental signals regulate transitions between them. We propose a developmental plasticity framework in which genetic architecture constrains the cellular state landscape while phenotypic adaptation shapes metastatic behaviour. We discuss evidence distinguishing plasticity from clonal selection, mechanisms driving state transitions, and opportunities to therapeutically intercept metastasis-permissive states or exploit vulnerabilities created during adaptation.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	paediatric cancer,developmental biology,cancer cell plasticity,metastasis,sdg 3 - good health and well-being ,/dk/atira/pure/sustainabledevelopmentgoals/good_health_and_well_being
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Metabolic Health
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	13 Oct 2026 10:53
Last Modified:	13 Oct 2026 10:53
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/104769
DOI:	issn:3117-3470

Actions (login required)

View Item