We hypothesise that by endowing tumour cells with the ability to disseminate from unfavourable microenvironments (such as limited nutrient availability and/or limited oxygen) in search of more favourable conditions, PRL-3 provides a strategic survival advantage to tumour cells via increased PI3K/Akt/mTOR-dependent MMP production and invasiveness. The gene discussed is PTP4A3; the disease is neoplasm.