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Related Concept Videos

Introduction to the Cytoskeleton01:33

Introduction to the Cytoskeleton

Overview of the Cytoskeleton
The cytoskeleton is a network of protein filaments present within the cell, having three distinct filaments ̶   microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. Each has characteristic features that distinguish them, including the dynamics of their assembly and disassembly, mechanical properties, polarity, and the type of molecular motors associated with them. Earlier, they were thought to be present only in eukaryotic cells; however, their homologs were...
Cancer Cell Migration through Invadopodia01:35

Cancer Cell Migration through Invadopodia

Invadosome is a broad category of cell surface structures with proteolytic activity that  degrades the extracellular matrix (ECM). Invadosomes are present in normal cell types, including macrophages, endothelial cells, and neurons, as well as tumor cells. Although the macrophage podosomes and tumor cell invadopodia are classified as invadosomes, they have different structures, molecular pathways, and functions. Podosomes are short structures that last for a few minutes. However, invadopodia can...
Cytoskeletal Coordination in Cell Migration01:32

Cytoskeletal Coordination in Cell Migration

A migrating cell changes its shape during the cyclic events of attachment and detachment from the substratum and repositions the cell organelles correspondingly. These complex events are orchestrated by the dynamic cytoskeletal network comprising actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. Cytoskeletal crosstalk — the direct and indirect communication between the different components — is crucial for this coordination. Direct communication involves various linker proteins that...
Polarity of the Cytoskeleton01:18

Polarity of the Cytoskeleton

The intrinsic polarity of cells can be primarily attributed to two factors- i) the asymmetric accumulation of mobile components such are regulatory molecules and subcellular components across the cell and ii) the orientation of polar cytoskeletal filaments that make up the cytoskeletal networks, specifically microfilaments, and microtubules arranged along the axis of polarity. Interactions between the cytoskeletal filaments are crucial for the establishment and maintenance of the polar nature...
Destabilization of Microtubules01:45

Destabilization of Microtubules

The destabilization of microtubules can occur during different stages of the microtubule lifecycle, such as nucleation or elongation. It can take place at either end of the microtubule or in the microtubule lattices as a whole. The lifespan of individual microtubules within a cell varies according to the cell type and stage of the cell cycle. During interphase, the lifespan of the microtubule is about 30 minutes, while during cell division, it is about 15 minutes. In axonal microtubules of...
Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments01:12

Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments

The cytoskeleton is a complex dynamic structure performing varied functions based on cellular requirements. The adaptability of the individual filaments in the cytoskeleton determines their ability to perform various functions within the cell. It can undergo rapid reorganization during processes like cell division or remain stable for several hours as in the interphase. The adaptability of these filaments depends on stringent regulatory mechanisms. The microfilament and microtubules of the...

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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Revealing the Cytoskeletal Organization of Invasive Cancer Cells in 3D
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Revealing the Cytoskeletal Organization of Invasive Cancer Cells in 3D

Published on: October 26, 2013

The cytoskeleton and cancer.

Alan Hall1

  • 1Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA. halla@mskcc.org

Cancer Metastasis Reviews
|January 21, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Cancer involves uncontrolled cell growth and survival, often linked to cytoskeleton defects. This volume explores how actin and microtubule cytoskeletons contribute to cancer cell behavior and progression.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Cytoskeletal Dynamics

Background:

  • Cancer is characterized by loss of normal cell behaviors, including uncontrolled proliferation, survival, tissue disruption, migration, invasion, and genomic instability.
  • The actin and microtubule cytoskeletons are crucial cellular components involved in fundamental processes such as organelle organization, cell polarity, force generation, cell division, morphogenesis, adhesion, and migration.
  • Dysregulation of these cytoskeletal functions is frequently observed in cancer progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the multifaceted roles of the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons in the context of cancer cell biology.
  • To consolidate research on how cytoskeletal dynamics contribute to key cancer hallmarks.
  • To foster a deeper understanding of the interplay between cytoskeletal components and cancer development.

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Heteromulticellular Stromal Cells in Scaffold-free 3D Cultures of Epithelial Cancer Cells to Drive Invasion
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Heteromulticellular Stromal Cells in Scaffold-free 3D Cultures of Epithelial Cancer Cells to Drive Invasion

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Last Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Revealing the Cytoskeletal Organization of Invasive Cancer Cells in 3D
11:09

Revealing the Cytoskeletal Organization of Invasive Cancer Cells in 3D

Published on: October 26, 2013

3-D Cell Culture System for Studying Invasion and Evaluating Therapeutics in Bladder Cancer
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3-D Cell Culture System for Studying Invasion and Evaluating Therapeutics in Bladder Cancer

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Heteromulticellular Stromal Cells in Scaffold-free 3D Cultures of Epithelial Cancer Cells to Drive Invasion
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Heteromulticellular Stromal Cells in Scaffold-free 3D Cultures of Epithelial Cancer Cells to Drive Invasion

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Main Methods:

  • This volume synthesizes existing research and expert contributions.
  • Focuses on the functional contributions of actin and tubulin polymers.
  • Integrates studies on cell cycle, morphogenesis, adhesion, and migration in cancer.

Main Results:

  • Actin and tubulin polymers are dynamic and versatile, underpinning essential cellular functions.
  • Cytoskeletal structures are critical for cell division, shape determination, cell adhesion, and cell migration.
  • Defects in cytoskeletal organization and function are implicated in cancer progression, including uncontrolled proliferation, invasion, and genomic instability.

Conclusions:

  • The actin and microtubule cytoskeletons are central players in the cell biology of cancer.
  • Understanding cytoskeletal contributions is vital for deciphering cancer mechanisms.
  • This volume serves as a resource for researchers investigating cytoskeletal roles in cancer.