E-cadherin, estrogens and cancer: is there a connection?
E-cadherin is a calcium-dependent, epithelial cell adhesion molecule. It has recently been implicated as a tumor suppressor. This review article contains a description of the structure, function, and regulation of E-cadherin and other members comprising the cadherin family. In particular, we discuss studies concerning the ability of estrogens to modulate E-cadherin levels in vivo. Finally, we consider the hypothesis that estrogens may promote breast, uterine and ovarian cancer by down-regulating E-cadherin levels in these tissues.
Blaschuk
O W
OW
Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec.
Munro
S B
SB
Farookhi
R
R
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology; D015820:Cadherins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D015536:Down-Regulation; D004967:Estrogens / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D015820:Cadherins; D004967:Estrogens