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Characterization of Cell Membrane Extensions and Studying Their Roles in Cancer Cell Adhesion Dynamics
Published on: March 26, 2018
ADAMs in cancer cell proliferation and progression
Satsuki Mochizuki1, Yasunori Okada
1Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0016, Japan.
Cancer Science
|March 16, 2007
Summary
A disintegrin and metalloproteinases (ADAMs) are proteins involved in cancer progression. This review details ADAM family members and their roles in cancer cell proliferation and invasion.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- A disintegrin and metalloproteinases (ADAMs) are a gene family with metalloproteinase domains, similar to snake venom metalloproteinases and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).
- ADAMs are classified into membrane-anchored ADAMs and ADAMs with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS).
- These proteins regulate critical biological processes including cell adhesion, fusion, migration, and protein shedding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on ADAM family members.
- To explore the implications of ADAMs in cancer cell proliferation and progression.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on ADAM biochemical characteristics and biological functions.
- Analysis of ADAM expression in human malignant tumors.
- Examination of ADAM involvement in growth factor and integrin signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Accumulated evidence indicates ADAMs are expressed in malignant tumors and contribute to cancer pathology.
- Specific ADAMs (e.g., ADAM8, ADAM10, ADAM17, ADAMTS1, ADAMTS5) are found in human cancers.
- ADAMs influence cancer cell growth and invasion by regulating growth factors and integrin functions.
Conclusions:
- ADAMs play a significant role in the pathology of various cancers.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which ADAMs promote cancer cell proliferation and invasion.
- Understanding ADAM functions may offer new therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
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