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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
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Characterization of Cell Membrane Extensions and Studying Their Roles in Cancer Cell Adhesion Dynamics
Published on: March 26, 2018
Cadherin 13 in cancer
Alexandra V Andreeva1, Mikhail A Kutuzov
1Department of Pharmacology, University of Illinois, College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA. aandreev@uic.edu
Genes, Chromosomes & Cancer
|July 8, 2010
Summary
Cadherin 13 (CDH13) is often down-regulated in cancers, correlating with poorer prognosis. Re-expression of CDH13 can inhibit cancer cell growth and invasion, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cadherin 13 (CDH13) is an atypical cadherin lacking a transmembrane domain, anchored to the cell surface.
- CDH13 plays a role in cellular signaling and behavior.
- CDH13 expression is frequently altered in various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence for CDH13 involvement in cancer.
- To explore the dual role of CDH13 in tumor progression and suppression.
- To discuss potential therapeutic applications of CDH13.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating CDH13 expression and function in cancer.
- Analysis of CDH13's impact on cancer cell proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, and tumor growth.
- Examination of CDH13's role in tumor neovascularization and endothelial cell behavior.
Main Results:
- CDH13 is frequently down-regulated in carcinomas (lung, ovarian, cervical, prostate), associated with poor prognosis.
- CDH13 re-expression inhibits cancer cell proliferation, invasiveness, and tumor growth, while increasing apoptosis.
- CDH13 is upregulated in tumor vasculature, promoting neovascularization, endothelial cell proliferation, and migration.
Conclusions:
- CDH13 exhibits context-dependent roles in cancer, acting as a tumor suppressor in cancer cells and a promoter of angiogenesis in endothelial cells.
- CDH13's complex functions suggest it as a potential therapeutic target.
- Further research into molecular mechanisms regulating CDH13 is warranted.
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