title: E-cadherin complex and its abnormalities in human breast cancer.
abstract: E-cadherin and its adhesion complex play an essential role in the adhesion of breast cancer cells and tissues. Members of the complex, such as beta-catenin, act as regulators on cell adhesion, and are involved in cell signalling and transcription regulation. The adhesion complex is a known structure in the control of tumour progression and metastasis. Recent years have seen a rapid expansion in the understanding of the biology and clinical relevance of the complex in breast cancer. The current article summarises recent progresses in the molecular/cellular biology of E-cadherin and its complex and the clinical, diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic value of this complex in breast cancer.
authors.affiliation: Metastasis Research Group, University Department of Surgery, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, Wales CF14 4XN, UK. jiangw@cf.ac.uk
authors.forename: W G
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Jiang
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Mansel
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D015820:Cadherins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002450:Cell Communication; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D015820:Cadherins