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Cadherin 13 in cancer
Author(s) -
Andreeva Alexandra V.,
Kutuzov Mikhail A.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
genes, chromosomes and cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.754
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1098-2264
pISSN - 1045-2257
DOI - 10.1002/gcc.20787
Subject(s) - cancer research , cadherin , cancer , prostate cancer , intravasation , angiogenesis , biology , cell growth , cancer cell , medicine , cell , genetics
We review the evidence suggesting the involvement of Cadherin 13 (CDH13, T‐cadherin, H‐cadherin) in various cancers. CDH13 is an atypical member of the cadherin family, devoid of a transmembrane domain and anchored to the exterior surface of the plasma membrane via a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor. CDH13 is thought to affect cellular behavior largely through its signaling properties. It is often down‐regulated in cancerous cells. CDH13 down‐regulation has been associated with poorer prognosis in various carcinomas, such as lung, ovarian, cervical and prostate cancer. CDH13 re‐expression in most cancer cell lines inhibits cell proliferation and invasiveness, increases susceptibility to apoptosis, and reduces tumor growth in in vivo models. These properties suggest that CDH13 may represent a possible target for therapy in some cancers. At the same time, CDH13 is up‐regulated in blood vessels growing through tumors and promotes tumor neovascularization. In contrast to most cancer cell lines, CDH13 overexpression in endothelial cells promotes their proliferation and migration, and has a pro‐survival effect. We also discuss molecular mechanisms that may regulate CDH13 expression and underlie its roles in cancer. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.