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Beyond E-cadherin: roles of other cadherin superfamily members in cancer
1Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium.The Inflammation Research Center, VIB, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium.
Nature Reviews. Cancer
|January 21, 2014
Summary
Loss of epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin) aids cancer diagnosis. Beyond E-cadherin, over 100 related proteins play diverse roles in tumor suppression, initiation, and progression, offering new research avenues.
Area of Science:
- Molecular oncology
- Cell adhesion biology
Background:
- Loss of Cadherin 1 (CDH1), or E-cadherin, is a biomarker for epithelial cancers.
- The human cadherin superfamily exceeds 100 members, including classical cadherins and protocadherins.
- Their diverse structures and functions are increasingly recognized in cancer research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the roles of diverse cadherin superfamily members beyond E-cadherin in cancer.
- To understand how these proteins influence tumor suppression, initiation, and progression.
- To highlight the complexity of cadherin interactions in biological responses.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on cadherin superfamily members in cancer.
- Analysis of structural and functional diversity within the cadherin family.
- Investigation of reported interactions and their impact on cellular behavior.
Main Results:
- E-cadherin is a key diagnostic and prognostic marker in epithelial cancers.
- Over 100 human cadherin superfamily members exist, with varied roles.
- Interactions among these diverse cadherins significantly influence cancer biology.
Conclusions:
- While E-cadherin is crucial, the broader cadherin superfamily warrants attention in cancer research.
- Understanding the complex roles and interactions of these proteins is vital for novel therapeutic strategies.
- This field is rapidly evolving, revealing intricate mechanisms in tumor development.
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