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Updated: Jun 26, 2025

Evaluation of Cancer Stem Cell Migration Using Compartmentalizing Microfluidic Devices and Live Cell Imaging
Published on: December 23, 2011
Nucleating amoeboid cancer cell motility with Diaphanous related formins
Neelakshi Kar1, Jeremy S Logue1
1Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA.
Abstract:
The tissue invasive capacity of cancer cells is determined by their phenotypic plasticity. For instance, mesenchymal to amoeboid transition has been found to facilitate the passage of cancer cells through confined environments. This phenotypic transition is also heavily regulated by the architecture of the actin cytoskeleton, which may increase myosin contractility and the intracellular pressure that is known to drive bleb formation. In this review, we highlight several Diaphanous related formins (DRFs) that have been found to promote or suppress bleb formation in cancer cells, which is a hallmark of amoeboid migration. Based on the work discussed here, the role of the DRFs in cancer(s) is worthy of further scrutiny in animal models, as they may prove to be therapeutic targets.
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