title: Dysfunction of the E-cadherin/catenin cell adhesion cascade in epithelial cancers (Review).
abstract: The E-cadherin/catenin complex is the major adhesion system that maintains the intercellular contacts in all epithelial cells. E-cadherin mediates Ca++-dependent, homotypic cell-cell adhesion and associates with the cytoskeleton through the interaction with three cytoplasmic proteins, called catenins. Dysfunction of the E-cadherin/catenin complex occurs frequently in the epithelial cancers and is correlated with dedifferentiation, advanced stage and poor prognosis. Additionally, loss of E-cadherin and alpha-catenin expression in epithelial cells in vitro, is associated with fibroblastic morphology and increased invasiveness. E-cadherin and alpha-catenin might be regarded as tumor suppressor molecules with potential diagnostic and prognostic value in epithelial cancers.
authors: UNIV ATHENS,LAIKON GEN HOSP,SCH MED,DEPT PROPEDEUT SURG 2,GR-115215 ATHENS,GREECE.
authors: I
authors: I
authors: Raftopoulos
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Kouraklis