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Polarity proteins in migration and invasion
1Cell polarity and migration group, Institut Pasteur and CNRS URA 2582, Paris cedex 15, France. sandrine.etienne-manneville@pasteur.fr
Oncogene
|November 26, 2008
Summary
Cancer cell invasion involves changes in cell polarity and migration. This review explores how altered cell polarity drives cancer cell motility during oncogenesis, impacting tumor metastasis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cancer progression involves uncontrolled cell proliferation and migration, leading to tissue invasion and metastasis.
- Carcinomas exhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition, characterized by weakened cell-cell adhesion and altered cell polarity.
- Perturbation of cell polarity is a key feature of invasive tumors and is crucial for cell migration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms linking cell polarity control to cell motility regulation in oncogenesis.
- To highlight how changes in cell polarity facilitate cancer cell invasion and metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on cell polarity, cell migration, and cancer.
- Analysis of molecular pathways governing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cell motility.
- Integration of findings on the role of cell polarity in tumor invasion.
Main Results:
- Cell migration during invasion requires the establishment of a front-rear polarity axis.
- Cancer cells transition from a non-migratory epithelial phenotype to a migratory mesenchymal phenotype with modified polarity.
- Altered cell polarity is intrinsically linked to increased cancer cell motility and metastatic potential.
Conclusions:
- The regulation of cell polarity is a critical determinant of cancer cell motility and invasion.
- Understanding the molecular interplay between cell polarity and motility offers therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
- Targeting polarity pathways may inhibit tumor metastasis and improve patient outcomes.
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