title: Aberrant expression and functions of protocadherins in human malignant tumors.
abstract: Protocadherins (PCDHs) are a group of transmembrane proteins belonging to the cadherin superfamily and are subdivided into "clustered" and "non-clustered" groups. PCDHs vary in both structure and interaction partners and thus regulate multiple biological responses in complex and versatile patterns. Previous researches showed that PCDHs regulated the development of brain and were involved in some neuronal diseases. Recently, studies have revealed aberrant expression of PCDHs in various human malignant tumors. The down-regulation or absence of PCDHs in malignant cells has been associated with cancer progression. Further researches suggest that PCDHs may play major functions as tumor suppressor by inhibiting the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells. In this review, we focus on the altered expression of PCDHs and their roles in the development of cancer progression. We also discuss the potential mechanisms, by which PCDHs are aberrantly expressed, and its implications in regulating cancers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Breast Surgery, the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
authors.forename: Ming
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shan
authors.affiliation: Department of Breast Surgery, the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
authors.forename: Yonghui
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Su
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Hei Longjiang Province Land Reclamation Headquarter, Harbin, China.
authors.forename: Wenli
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.affiliation: Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Qiqihaer City, Qiqihaer, China.
authors.forename: Ruixin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gao
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China. lixiaobo@ems.harmu.edu.cn.
authors.forename: Xiaobo
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Breast Surgery, the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China. zhangguoqiang@hrbmu.edu.cn.
authors.forename: Guoqiang
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zhang
mesh_terms: D015820:Cadherins / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D015820:Cadherins
keywords: Clustered protocadherin; Hallmarks of cancer; Malignant tumor; Non-clustered protocadherin