CANCER METASTASIS Catenin expression

The cadherin family of glycoproteins mediates calcium- dependent cell-cell adhesion. Cadherins frorm intercellular complexes binding cells together (Fig. 18.12A). They are anchored intracellularly by catenins, which bind to actin filaments. Loss of E-cadherin expression may contribute to the ability of cancer cells to detach and migrate in metastasis. Individuals who inherit a mutation in E cadherin (this mutation is designated as CDHl) are sharply predisposed to developing diffuse type gastric cancer. 

---