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Updated: May 23, 2026
08:11
Characterization of Cell Membrane Extensions and Studying Their Roles in Cancer Cell Adhesion Dynamics
Published on: March 26, 2018
E-cadherin's dark side: possible role in tumor progression.
Fausto J Rodriguez1, Laura J Lewis-Tuffin, Panos Z Anastasiadis
1Department of Pathology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|March 24, 2012
Summary
E-cadherin, typically a tumor suppressor, may actually promote cancer progression. This review explores evidence for E-cadherin's newly identified roles in tumor growth and spread.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- E-cadherin is traditionally viewed as a tumor suppressor due to its role in cell adhesion and its downregulation during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
- Mutations or epigenetic silencing of the E-cadherin gene (CDH1) are observed in some epithelial cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the emerging evidence suggesting a pro-tumorigenic role for E-cadherin.
- To explore the contexts and mechanisms through which E-cadherin may promote cancer progression.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on E-cadherin expression and function in various cancers.
- Analysis of data linking E-cadherin to tumor cell migration, invasion, and aggressive phenotypes.
Main Results:
- E-cadherin expression is preserved or increased in certain aggressive cancer types, including inflammatory breast carcinoma and aggressive brain tumors.
- Evidence suggests E-cadherin may facilitate collective cell invasion and participate in mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET).
- Potential roles in cytoplasmic and nuclear signaling networks are also indicated.
Conclusions:
- The traditional view of E-cadherin solely as a tumor suppressor is incomplete.
- E-cadherin exhibits context-dependent roles in cancer, potentially promoting tumor progression and aggressiveness.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex functions of E-cadherin in cancer biology.
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