While mutations and epigenetic events are thought to be the principal modalities by which tumor cells escape homeostatic controls and acquire the ability to invade and metastasize, accumulating evidence also points to other mechanisms. These include the contribution of cell-cell fusion, extracellular vesicles (e.g., microvesicles and exosomes), and plasma membrane protrusions including cytonemes, tunneling nanotubes, and magnupodia as vehicles for the transfer of information among cancer cells, between cancer and stromal cells, and between cancer cells and the immune system of the host. These provide alternative pathways by which cells can acquire tumorigenic properties and sculpt the tumor microenvironment at both the primary and the metastatic sites.

We invite investigators to contribute original research articles as well as reviews that will help in understanding the contribution of these emerging mechanisms to tumor growth and metastasis.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Role of microvesicles/exosomes in carcinogenesis and cancer progression
• Viruses, proteins, and other agents involved in cell fusion in neoplasia
• Role of cell fusion in carcinogenesis and cancer progression
• Tunneling nanotubes and cytoneme-mediated transport
• Role of plasma membrane protrusions in intercellular communication
• Exchange of chromatin and organelles between cells