The E-cadherin-catenin complex in tumour metastasis: structure, function and regulation.
E-cadherin and the associated catenin complex have been recognised as performing a key role in cell adhesion. Loss of cell adhesion is seen as a key step in the cascade leading to tumour metastasis. The ability of both extra- and intracellular factors to regulate E-cadherin-mediated cell adhesion in physiological processes has provided insight into both the interactions of the E-cadherin-catenin complex, and possible mechanisms utilised by tumours in the process of metastasis. The interaction of the E-cadherin-catenin complex with various regulating factors, their effect on cell signalling pathways, and the relationship with the metastatic potential of tumours are reviewed.
Beavon
I R
IR
Department of Anatomical Pathology, School of Pathology, South African Institute for Medical Research and University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. nesinsa@global.co.za
D015820:Cadherins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology; D015687:Cell Hypoxia / Q000502:physiology; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins / Q000737:chemistry; D017491:Genes, APC / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015534:Trans-Activators; D051178:alpha Catenin; D051176:beta Catenin
C495273:CTNNA1 protein, human; C495270:CTNNB1 protein, human; D015820:Cadherins; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins; D015534:Trans-Activators; D051178:alpha Catenin; D051176:beta Catenin