Cadherin switching.
The cadherin molecules at adherens junctions have multiple isoforms. Cadherin isoform switching (cadherin switching) occurs during normal developmental processes to allow cell types to segregate from one another. Tumor cells often recapitulate this activity and the result is an aggressive tumor cell that gains the ability to leave the site of the tumor and metastasize. At present, we understand some of the mechanisms that promote cadherin switching and some of the pathways downstream of this process that influence cell behavior. Specific cadherin family members influence growth-factor-receptor signaling and Rho GTPases to promote cell motility and invasion. In addition, p120-catenin probably plays multiple roles in cadherin switching, regulating Rho GTPases and stabilizing cadherins.
Wheelock
Margaret J
MJ
University of Nebraska Medical Center, Department of Oral Biology and Eppley Cancer Center, Omaha, NE 68198-7696, USA. mwheelock@unmc.edu
Shintani
Yasushi
Y
Maeda
Masato
M
Fukumoto
Yuri
Y
Johnson
Keith R
KR
D022005:Adherens Junctions / Q000648:ultrastructure; D000818:Animals; D015820:Cadherins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D002470:Cell Survival; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000378:metabolism; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism*; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D020741:rho GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism
D015820:Cadherins; D020033:Protein Isoforms; D020741:rho GTP-Binding Proteins