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08:11
Characterization of Cell Membrane Extensions and Studying Their Roles in Cancer Cell Adhesion Dynamics
Published on: March 26, 2018
Desmosomes: new perpetrators in tumour suppression
Rachel L Dusek1, Laura D Attardi
1Department of Radiation Oncology and Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
Nature Reviews. Cancer
|April 22, 2011
Summary
Desmosomes, crucial cell adhesion complexes, act as tumor suppressors. Their downregulation precedes adherens junction loss, driving cancer progression and invasion in a two-step adhesion dysfunction model.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Adherens junctions are vital for epithelial homeostasis but are often downregulated in cancer.
- The role of desmosomes, similar adhesion complexes, in cancer development has been unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of desmosomes in carcinogenesis.
- To elucidate the sequence of adhesion complex dysfunction in tumor progression.
Main Methods:
- Utilized mouse genetic models to study desmosome function.
- Analyzed the temporal relationship between desmosome and adherens junction downregulation.
Main Results:
- Desmosome downregulation was observed to occur before adherens junction loss.
- This sequential loss of adhesion complexes promotes tumor development and early invasion.
- Suggests a two-step model for adhesion dysfunction in cancer.
Conclusions:
- Desmosomes function as tumor suppressors.
- Adhesion complex dynamics, specifically desmosomes, are critical in early cancer stages.
- Understanding this two-step model offers new therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
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