E-cadherin: A potential biomarker in cancer and a therapeutic target

Tumorigenesis is a complex, multifaceted process that deregulates normal cellular functions, including cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis. The primary factors driving tumorigenesis include the activation of oncogenes, inhibition of tumor suppressor genes, and the disruption of cell-cell contact. E-cadherin, a critical component of adherens junctions, plays an integral role in cell adhesion, maintaining tissue integrity, and contributing to developmental processes. E-cadherin facilitates the regulation of proliferation through contact inhibition under physiological conditions, acting as a tumor suppressor, and the alterations in E-cadherin expression are a major driving force in the development of various cancers. However, ongoing research has revealed the significance of E-cadherin in cancer progression, emphasizing its functional duality in tumorigenesis. This review summarizes E-cadherin's diverse and complex functions in various cancers, the underlying molecular mechanisms, and its role as a potential cancer biomarker across different cancer types. Further, we highlight numerous therapeutic strategies designed to target E-cadherin expression to treat various cancers.