The molecular pathogenetic role of cell adhesion in endocrine neoplasia.
It is becoming increasingly evident that cell adhesion is an important determinant of organised growth and the maintenance of architectural integrity. Indeed, reduced adhesiveness between cells and with the extracellular matrix is a hallmark of neoplastic growth. In neuroendocrine tissues, neural cell adhesion molecule is implicated in modulating cell growth, migration, and differentiation. This review will focus on the molecular pathways involving key growth factor receptors that govern normal adhesive forces. The extent to which disruption of these adhesive forces contributes to the tumorigenic process in neuroendocrine tissues will be highlighted. Validation of the functional relevance of these adhesive pathways will be discussed in light of targeted pharmacotherapeutic studies that are unmasking novel approaches to the treatment of neuroendocrine tumours.
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Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Endocrine Oncology Site Group, Mount Sinai and Princess Margaret Hospitals, Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G-1X5. sezzat@mtsinai.on.ca
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D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology*; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000502:physiology*; D004701:Endocrine Gland Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D019006:Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000502:physiology; D017468:Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor / Q000502:physiology; D017978:Receptors, Growth Factor / Q000502:physiology
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D019006:Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules; D017468:Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor; D017978:Receptors, Growth Factor