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Updated: Jul 30, 2025

Characterization of Cell Membrane Extensions and Studying Their Roles in Cancer Cell Adhesion Dynamics
Published on: March 26, 2018
Chitinase-like proteins promoting tumorigenesis through disruption of cell polarity via enlarged endosomal vesicles
Dilan Khalili1, Martin Kunc1, Sarah Herbrich1
1Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
Introduction:
Chitinase-like proteins (CLPs) are associated with tissue-remodeling and inflammation but also with several disorders, including fibrosis, atherosclerosis, allergies, and cancer. However, CLP's role in tumors is far from clear.
Methods:
Here, we utilize Drosophila melanogaster and molecular genetics to investigate the function of CLPs (imaginal disc growth factors; Idgf's) in Ras dysplastic salivary glands.
Results And Discussion:
We find one of the Idgf's members, Idgf3, is transcriptionally induced in a JNK-dependent manner via a positive feedback loop mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, Idgf3 accumulates in enlarged endosomal vesicles (EnVs) that promote tumor progression by disrupting cytoskeletal organization. The process is mediated via the downstream component, aSpectrin, which localizes to the EnVs. Our data provide new insight into CLP function in tumors and identifies specific targets for tumor control.
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