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E‐cadherin and catenins: Molecules with versatile roles in normal and neoplastic epithelial cell biology
Author(s) -
ElBahrawy Mona A.,
Pignatelli Massimo
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
microscopy research and technique
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.536
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1097-0029
pISSN - 1059-910X
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-0029(19981101)43:3<224::aid-jemt4>3.0.co;2-q
Subject(s) - catenin , cadherin , adenomatous polyposis coli , microbiology and biotechnology , cell adhesion molecule , biology , cell adhesion , beta catenin , carcinogenesis , cell , cancer research , signal transduction , cancer , genetics , colorectal cancer , wnt signaling pathway
E‐cadherin and its associated cytoplasmic proteins α‐, β‐, and γ‐catenin, play a crucial role in epithelial cell–cell adhesion and in the maintenance of tissue architecture. Perturbation in the expression or function of any of these molecules results in loss of intercellular adhesion, with possible consequent cell transformation and tumour progression. The catenins are connected to many structural and functional proteins, which in turn influence their functions. Among these molecules are type 1 growth factor receptors, which along with other molecules are believed to alter the function of catenins through tyrosine phosphorylation. A recent finding is the association between the catenins and the adenomatous polyposis coli gene product (APC). APC mutation is an early event in colorectal carcinogenesis. It may possibly do so through perturbation of the critical cadherin/ catenin complex. Further studies of the cadherin/ catenin complex and its connections may give insight into the early molecular interactions critical to the initiation and progression of tumours, which should aid in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for both prevention and treatment. Microsc. Res. Tech. 43:224–232, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.