title: The role of the cell adhesion molecules (integrins/cadherins) in prostate cancer.
abstract: During prostate carcinogenesis the cellular adhesion molecules, i.e.; integrins and cadherins mediate aberrant interactions between glandular epithelial cells and the extracellular matrix. Several integrin α subunits are downregulated, while β subunits are up-regulated. The expression of several cadherins and catenins has specific prognostic value. There is an association between the expression of the E-cadherin/catenin complex and high grade prostate cancer. Clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of integrin antagonists are ongoing with promising results. In this article we update the role of integrins and cadherins in prostate carcinogenesis and evaluate the therapeutic potential of their manipulation.
authors.affiliation: 2nd Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Sismanoglio Hospital, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Alexandros
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Drivalos
authors.forename: Athanasios G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Papatsoris
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chrisofos
authors.forename: Eleni
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Efstathiou
authors.forename: Meletios A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Dimopoulos
mesh_terms: D015820:Cadherins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D016023:Integrins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D015820:Cadherins; D016023:Integrins; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins