Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026
08:11
Characterization of Cell Membrane Extensions and Studying Their Roles in Cancer Cell Adhesion Dynamics
Published on: March 26, 2018
The ADAMs: signalling scissors in the tumour microenvironment
1Cancer Research UK, Cambridge Research Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, UK. gm290@cam.ac.uk
Nature Reviews. Cancer
|November 14, 2008
Summary
A disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) family proteins are linked to cancer progression and cell signaling. Further research is needed to determine if targeting ADAMs could be a viable cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Proteolytic shedding by ADAM proteins rapidly modulates cell signaling in the tumor microenvironment.
- ADAM family members are implicated in tumorigenesis and cancer progression.
- Intercellular communication is crucial in cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of pharmacological manipulation of ADAM functions as an adjunct cancer therapy.
- To understand the biological and clinical relevance of ADAMs in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on ADAM protein functions.
- Analysis of ADAMs' role in cell signaling and tumor microenvironment.
- Comparison with matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor strategies.
Main Results:
- ADAMs play a significant role in proteolytic shedding and cell signaling modulation.
- Evidence suggests a link between ADAMs and cancer development and progression.
- Lessons from matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors highlight potential challenges.
Conclusions:
- Targeting ADAMs presents a potential therapeutic avenue for cancer.
- Comprehensive understanding of ADAMs' biological and clinical relevance is essential before clinical application.
- Further investigation is required to develop safe and effective ADAM-targeted therapies.
Related Concept Videos
02:17The Tumor Microenvironment
Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...
02:17The Tumor Microenvironment
Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...
03:14Notch Signaling Pathway
The Notch signaling pathway is a major intracellular signaling pathway that is highly conserved over a broad spectrum of metazoan species. It stands unique from other intracellular signaling mechanisms in animals because notch protein itself acts as the receptor as well as the primary signaling molecule.
The Notch gene came into the limelight in 1914 after the discovery that its mutation in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a serrated (or "notched") wing margin phenotype. It was not until 1985...
The Notch gene came into the limelight in 1914 after the discovery that its mutation in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a serrated (or "notched") wing margin phenotype. It was not until 1985...
02:53Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
02:53Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
01:17Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
Some...