KLF4-dependent perivascular cell plasticity mediates pre-metastatic niche formation and metastasis

Factors secreted by metastatic a primary tumors induce an early phenotypic switch in perivascular cells at distant pre-metastatic niches. By using sophisticated lineage-tracing mouse models, the authors demonstrate that enhanced KLF4 expression in these cells increases their ability to proliferate and migrate away from the vasculature, and augments fibronectin deposition, which contributes to metastatic growth. These findings increase the mechanistic understanding of the metastatic process and uncover a role for perivascular plasticity that could be targeted to prevent metastasis.