Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Characterization of Cell Membrane Extensions and Studying Their Roles in Cancer Cell Adhesion Dynamics
Published on: March 26, 2018
Dysadherin: a new player in cancer progression
Jeong-Seok Nam1, Setsuo Hirohashi, Lalage M Wakefield
1Laboratory of Cell Regulation and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-5055, USA. namje@mail.nih.gov
Abstract:
Dysadherin is a cancer-associated cell membrane glycoprotein that promotes experimental cancer metastasis. Here we review recent work that has provided insights into possible mechanisms of action of this newly recognized player in the cancer progression process. Dysadherin modulates cell phenotype in a number of ways, including down-regulation of E-cadherin-mediated cell adhesion, and up-regulation of chemokine production. In this way, expression of dysadherin in a tumor can influence both the tumor cell itself and the stromal compartment, so as to create conditions that are more permissive for metastatic spread. Dysadherin expression is also an independent prognostic indicator of metastasis and survival for many different types of human cancer. Thus, dysadherin may represent a new molecular target for the visualization, prevention or treatment of advanced cancer.
Related Concept Videos
Cadherins in Tissue Organization
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...
Cancer Cell Migration through Invadopodia
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Tumor Progression
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Tumor Progression
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...

