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Updated: Feb 1, 2026
Characterization of Cell Membrane Extensions and Studying Their Roles in Cancer Cell Adhesion Dynamics
Published on: March 26, 2018
Perturbing the Dynamics and Organization of Cell Membrane Components: A New Paradigm for Cancer-Targeted Therapies
Nuno Bernardes1, Arsenio M Fialho2,3
1iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Biological Sciences Research Group, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal. nuno.bernardes@tecnico.ulisboa.pt.
Abstract:
Cancer is a multi-process disease where different mechanisms exist in parallel to ensure cell survival and constant adaptation to the extracellular environment. To adapt rapidly, cancer cells re-arrange their plasma membranes to sustain proliferation, avoid apoptosis and resist anticancer drugs. In this review, we discuss novel approaches based on the modifications and manipulations that new classes of molecules can exert in the plasma membrane lateral organization and order of cancer cells, affecting growth factor signaling, invasiveness, and drug resistance. Furthermore, we present azurin, an anticancer protein from bacterial origin, as a new approach in the development of therapeutic strategies that target the cell membrane to improve the existing standard therapies.
Insights
Cancer cells adapt by altering plasma membranes. Novel molecules and bacterial azurin protein offer new therapeutic strategies targeting these membrane changes to combat cancer growth and drug resistance.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cancer cells exhibit remarkable adaptability through parallel survival mechanisms.
- Plasma membrane re-arrangement is crucial for cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis evasion, and drug resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review novel molecular strategies targeting cancer cell plasma membrane organization.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of bacterial azurin protein in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on plasma membrane modifications in cancer.
- Analysis of azurin's mechanism of action as an anticancer agent.
Main Results:
- New molecular classes can alter plasma membrane organization, impacting cancer cell signaling, invasiveness, and drug resistance.
- Azurin, a bacterial protein, demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent targeting cancer cell membranes.
Conclusions:
- Targeting cancer cell plasma membrane organization presents a promising therapeutic avenue.
- Azurin offers a novel strategy to enhance existing cancer therapies by exploiting cell membrane vulnerabilities.
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