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Updated: May 31, 2026
08:11
Characterization of Cell Membrane Extensions and Studying Their Roles in Cancer Cell Adhesion Dynamics
Published on: March 26, 2018
A tumor-suppressing function in the epithelial adhesion protein Trask
D S Spassov1, C H Wong, G Harris
1Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
Oncogene
|June 28, 2011
Summary
Trask (CDCP1) acts as a tumor suppressor by reducing cancer metastasis. Loss of Trask expression or its phosphorylation in tumors correlates with increased metastasis, suggesting its role in cancer progression.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Cancer research
- Cell adhesion
Background:
- Trask (CDCP1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein in epithelial tissues.
- Its function as an anti-adhesive effector of Src kinases is under investigation.
- Previous studies suggested Trask overexpression in some cancers, but newer methods provide more accurate data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Trask/CDCP1 in tumor progression.
- To determine if Trask functions as a tumor suppressor.
- To identify Trask as a potential tumor suppressor in the 3p21.3 genomic region.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical survey of human cancer specimens and cell lines to assess Trask expression.
- Establishment of three experimental models: two gain-of-function and one loss-of-function for Trask.
- Analysis of Trask expression and phosphorylation in relation to tumor metastasis.
Main Results:
- Trask expression varies in human cancers, with some tumors showing reduced or lost expression compared to normal tissues.
- Loss of Trask expression and/or phosphorylation was observed in some cancer cell lines.
- Inducing Trask expression reduced metastasis in MCF-7 and 3T3v-src cells, while Trask knockdown increased metastasis in L3.6pl cells.
Conclusions:
- Trask/CDCP1 exhibits tumor-suppressive functions by inhibiting cancer metastasis.
- Altered Trask expression and phosphorylation are linked to tumor progression.
- Trask is a potential tumor suppressor candidate on the frequently lost 3p21.3 genomic region.
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