Fig. 3
From: Intrinsic signalling factors associated with cancer cell-cell fusion
In this model it is assumed that cancer cells fuse with other cells suggesting that all cells have entered a pre-hybrid preparation program (PHPP) by acquisition of a pro-fusogenic state (A). Alternatively, it cannot be ruled out that other cells in a pro-fusogenic state, such as macrophages, MSC, or stem cells could fuse with cancer cells in a non-fusogenic state (B). Similarly, both a cancer cell and a normal cell must have acquired a pro-fusogenic state for fusion (C). The resulting cancer hybrid populations from all of these alternatives have to undergo a post-hybrid selection process (PHSP) for re-organization of the chromosomal ploidy and corresponding metabolic adaptation to ensure survival