[Biological functions of cell adhesion molecules in breast cancer]

We investigated the mechanisms of adhesion of breast cancer cells to vascular endothelial cells which is an important step in hematogenous metastasis. The results from the present studies are as follows. The breast cancer cells induce the expression of E-selectin on the endothelial cells chiefly through the release of cytokines, such as IL-beta, from lymphocytes. Following the initial adhesion mediated by E-selectin via sialyl Lewis, breast cancer cells receive stimulation from cytokines, such as HB-EGF, produced by endothelial cells and transmigrate to extravascular tissues through the augmentation of integrins.